I have no name. For me, a name is just a tool I use for a brief moment to complete a mission.
Outside of missions, people simply call me 'Number 3.'
I think I used to have a name, but... over a decade has passed, and now I have no memory of that time.
Now, I'm just one of the assassins in a secret organization, the best (not really) in the Beltrin continent, with a small elite force (we're just short on manpower), known to be a covert group (nobody knows about us).
For over ten years, I've honed my sword to perfection, boasting a mission failure rate of 0% (Number of missions: 0).
And now, I've been summoned by the guild master.
"Number 3, I hear you've mastered using aura with no issues," he said.
"Yes, that's correct."
I drew the sword from my waist and infused it with aura. The blade gleamed with a black aura, as if it could devour the surrounding light.
"Hahaha! Even those who boast of being sword masters couldn't handle aura as well as you at your age. Once you become a sword master, our guild will be the first to have an assassin who's also a sword master. Everyone will fear us."
The master's laughter was so over-the-top that I wanted to cut him down right then and there, but I couldn't do anything because of the master-servant mark engraved on me. I could only frown in response.
"Anyway, I called you here today to finally give you your first mission."
"If I'm being sent out, it must be quite the difficult mission."
"Hmm... it's a mission that only you in the organization can complete."
"So, who do I need to assassinate?"
Though I have no real combat experience, I'm the assassin the guild has carefully trained. If they're sending me, it must be no ordinary target.
A high-ranking noble with many political rivals? The head of a competing merchant guild? A local lord exploiting his people?
Whoever it is, they won't escape my blade.
"Your target is Lady Cillian, the daughter of the Marquis Deretia."
Huh?
Not the marquis himself, but his daughter?
"The Deretia family descends from the first hero. Now, with a new demon king emerging, his daughter is one of the strongest candidates to become the next hero. But our client doesn't want the Deretia family's power to grow any further."
"So, it's not about the demon king's threat, but about protecting their own interests."
"Exactly. Thanks to that, people like us have work to do."
"Hmm... I see. A hero candidate won't be an easy target. That's why I'm the only one who can do it."
"Yes, exactly. The target, Lady Cillian, is about to enter the Imperial Academy. As you know, the academy isn't an easy place to infiltrate, and being both a hero candidate and the daughter of a marquis, she'll be especially difficult to approach."
"Then I'll need to find a way to sneak into the academy."
"Don't worry about that. We've already prepared a way for you to get close to the target. All you need to do is eliminate her."
"Master, you've thought of everything. So, what do I need to do?"
"You'll be entering the academy as a student, just like her. However, even if you're a fellow student, the target will be cautious around an unfamiliar man like yourself. Time is of the essence, and the faster, the better. Fortunately, we've found a solution."
The guild master motioned to Number 7, standing behind him. Number 7 left the room and soon returned with an old man dressed in ragged clothing.
"This is the mage we've recruited at great expense. He's a mage researching a unique magic, the only one of its kind on the continent."
"My name is Sam Mogra. It seems we'll be working together."
I nodded in greeting as the old mage introduced himself.
"As the master mentioned, you'll be infiltrating the academy. Here is your temporary identity."
I took the documents handed to me and examined the information.
[Elysia Frentz, 18 years old.
The last remaining heir of the Count Frentz family, which was wiped out during the demonic attack at the resurrection ceremony of the Demon King.
She was originally reported to have died in the attack, but rumors and funding have been used to fabricate the story that she survived, hidden by a maid from her household. Now, after the maid's death, Elysia is enrolling in the academy to rebuild her family's honor....]
There were more details, but that was the gist of it.
Wait, something's off.
"Frentz's daughter?"
Seeing my confusion, the old mage spoke up.
"During the mission, you'll become Lady Frentz, Number 3, using my magic."
Wait, what!?
"So, I'll be pretending to be a woman with some kind of illusion magic?"
"Don't insult my magic by comparing it to such low-level tricks!"
The mage's tone turned harsh, a stark contrast to his earlier polite demeanor.
"The magic I developed doesn't just create an illusion. It actually transforms you into a woman! Many have tried, but none have succeeded in developing this magic—except me!"
The "unique" part of his magic finally made sense.
"But wait... don't women have to do things like makeup and stuff? I have no idea how to do any of that."
"Are you underestimating the power of TS (Transformation Spell) magic? A proper TS spell turns you into a flawless beauty with no need for makeup!"
His voice was cold and filled with conviction.
Mages are always eccentric, but this guy takes the cake.
"I see... it's an impressive spell, indeed."
Whether or not I meant it, I flattered the mage to calm him down.
No matter what, this is my first mission. I can't afford to slack off.
For the next month or so, I memorized the details of my temporary identity and learned the basic etiquette and behavior of a noble lady.
And finally, the day before the academy's entrance ceremony arrived.
I stood before the old mage, ready to receive the TS spell.
"As I mentioned, my magic will transform you into a woman. Since it's not an illusion, there's no time limit on the transformation. However, if you wish to return to your original form, you'll need to receive the spell again."
I nodded, already familiar with the explanation.
"Though there may be minor side effects, since the spell is still being refined, I've confirmed that there are no major issues. Please step onto the magic circle."
Following his instructions, I stepped into the center of the magic circle. The mage raised his staff and began chanting.
The spell seemed quite complex, as the incantation dragged on for a while. Eventually, both the staff and the magic circle began to glow.
Soon, the light enveloped my body, and I felt an intense heat, as though my entire body was on fire.
After enduring the searing pain, the light faded, and I could finally see myself again.
My arms were slender. My chest had risen into two small mounds. My waist had narrowed, and my hips had widened. My legs were smooth and graceful.
Even my body had shrunk, as I could feel my clothes hanging loosely on me.
I moved my limbs. Though there was some slight awkwardness, there were no major issues with movement.
I picked up a nearby mirror to check my face, and there, squinting back at me, was a beautiful young girl.
My once dull, black hair had turned into soft, silver locks, shining with a healthy luster. My hair had also grown longer, now falling below my shoulders.
After changing into the prepared women's clothes, my previous appearance had completely vanished, leaving behind only a fragile-looking girl.
"Perfect. No wonder the master brought you in," I said.
"Now you understand the greatness of TS magic. I'll be taking my leave now. It's an exhausting spell that requires a lot of mana, after all."
The old mage excused himself, clearly worn out.
Now, all that remains is the decisive moment.
My sword gleams, its tip ready to deliver judgment.
Griffin Academy, the most prestigious national academy in the empire, draws not only the empire's nobles but also students from other countries who come to study here.
Unlike other private academies, there are no restrictions on status for admission to Griffin. Even commoners can enroll if their talent is recognized.
However, it's still not easy for commoners to enter, as they often lack the necessary connections or "support." Those commoners who do get in are usually exceptionally talented and backed by powerful patrons.
Griffin Academy teaches four major disciplines: Swordsmanship, Magic, Administration, and Theology. Each department is further divided into various specialized fields.
I belong to Swordsmanship Class 1—the same class as my assassination target, as confirmed during my prior investigation.
So, it's no surprise that, during today's entrance ceremony, the target is standing right in front of me.
Her beautiful golden hair, tied in a ponytail, sways gently behind her, revealing the pale skin of her neck.
She's slightly shorter than I am, even in my female form. From this angle, I can just make out the top of her head.
Noticing my gaze, Cillian turned her head to meet my eyes.
When our eyes met, she smiled softly before turning her attention back to the front.
It's a little sad that I have to kill such an innocent girl, but I'm a professional assassin. My sword shows no mercy, and there's no room for hesitation.
"That concludes the Griffin Academy entrance ceremony. Welcome, new students," the headmaster announced.
After two hours, the entrance ceremony finally came to an end.
As we were led to our classrooms by our homeroom teacher, the students immediately gathered into groups, sitting with those they were already familiar with.
Since I didn't know anyone, I quietly sat at the back, making sure not to draw attention to myself while keeping an eye on my target.
As expected, given her fame, she was soon surrounded by both male and female students.
After a while, perhaps realizing there were more people she knew, Cillian began looking around the classroom.
Naturally, our eyes met again as she scanned the room.
Of course, I thought she'd quickly look away, but… instead, she slowly walked over to me.
Thinking she might be approaching someone behind me, I turned around, but there wasn't anyone nearby.
Before I knew it, she was standing right in front of me, pulling out the chair beside mine.
"Nice to meet you. You were standing behind me earlier, right?"
I hadn't expected her to approach me like this, but it was a good opportunity, so I smiled and greeted her back.
"My name is Elysia."
"That's a lovely name. I'm Cillian Deretia. My friends call me Cilly," she said, bowing her head slightly as she introduced herself.
Though the academy's rules state that there's no distinction between nobles and commoners, her polite greeting was not something you often see from a noble.
"Ah, Deretia… the family of the first hero..."
Even though I'd thoroughly researched her background, I pretended to be hearing it for the first time.
"Yes, that's right. The very same Deretia."
She tilted her head slightly and smiled, pure and innocent.
"Well, it's quite a famous story. I'm sure there aren't many people who don't know it," I said.
Even though it happened centuries ago, the story of the hero who defeated the demon king is known by everyone. Especially now, with the demon king's resurgence.
"But, what about the others..."
The students who had been following her around now stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do as she sat beside me.
It was impossible not to notice the tension in the air.
"Oh... I was planning to sit here. What about all of you?" she asked with a smile.
And so, Cillian sat beside me, while her followers took the seats in front and around her.
To think she'd lower her guard and approach me so easily. It seems the TS magic is working quite well.
"Things are going smoothly. I believe an opportunity will present itself soon."
Back in the dormitory, I immediately reported the day's events via communication magic.
The dorm offers single, double, and quadruple rooms, but I had requested a single room to ensure the mission could proceed without interference.
While single rooms are expensive and reserved for nobles, considering the reward for completing this mission, it was a reasonable investment.
It's not like I'll actually be spending four years at the academy, anyway.
Although I have full authority and responsibility over the mission, I was being thorough, especially since it was my first assignment.
-That's good news. Were there any suspicious individuals around?
"No, no one has raised any suspicions. However, it may take some time before I can get the target alone. She's always surrounded by others."
-I see. The future of our guild rests on this mission. Don't make any mistakes… Hmm? What's happening? Who are you people?! How did you get in here...?!
A commotion suddenly erupted on the other end of the communication orb.
Sensing something wrong, I immediately smashed the orb to pieces.
In case the guild's communication device was compromised, they could use it to trace my location.
I quickly changed into my black assassin gear and slipped out the window.
The guild is far, but I can make it by morning if I move fast enough. What matters now isn't the mission, but the situation at the guild.
Swallowing the growing sense of unease, I threw myself into the shadows.
"With the demon king's army causing enough trouble, now we have to deal with these pests, too."
"Why should you care? It's not like you're the marquis or his daughter."
Two guards stood watch at the hidden entrance of the guild. Judging by their equipment, they weren't just common grunts. They were well-armed soldiers, wearing the crest of the Deretia family.
This attack couldn't be a coincidence. Somehow, word of the assassination plot must have leaked.
Assessing the situation, I continued to hide in the shadows, sneaking into the guild through a secret passage.
I wasn't worried about getting caught. After all, I was trained for this. Even though my strength and control over aura had diminished since becoming a woman, my senses had sharpened.
As long as there wasn't a sword master inside, I was confident I wouldn't be discovered.
Moving silently through the guild, I saw that all the few remaining guild members had been killed.
Honestly, none of them were particularly skilled in combat. They specialized in ambushes, not swordsmanship like me. Once their location was exposed, their deaths were inevitable.
The bodies of the guild master and the old mage, however, were missing.
I didn't care about the other members' deaths, but those two were important.
I headed to the guild master's office first, where I found two more guards stationed outside, unaware of my presence.
Inside, I found the master's body. It hadn't been removed yet.
With the death of the guild master and all the members, the greatest (not really), small elite (just lacking manpower), secret (completely unknown) assassin guild in the continent was finished today.
There was no option for me to carry on the will of the guild as its sole survivor.
Why would I? If anything, I was relieved to finally be free.
But to secure my true freedom, there was something I needed to find. I searched the master's body, looking for it.
However, the object that should have been on him was missing.
The scroll that controlled the master-servant marks on all the guild members.
As long as that scroll exists, I'll never be free. If someone else holds it, I'll have no choice but to obey them.
There's no way the guild master, always so paranoid about rebellion, would have left it anywhere else by accident.
It must have been taken by one of the attackers. I don't know who, but I can only hope we never meet.
I turned to head to the old mage's quarters next.
Sam Mogra, the only TS magic user on the continent, had apparently died without even sensing the ambush.
He lay on his bed, now a corpse.
His magic will transform you into a woman. There's no time limit since it's not an illusion, but you can return to your original form by receiving the magic again.
The mage's words echoed in my mind.
"You've got to be kidding me..."
I'm screwed. I'm totally screwed.
I checked for a pulse, but the mage was definitely dead.
So, what happens to me? How do I return to my original form?
Without a way to change back, I'll have no choice but to continue at the academy.
If the marquis's daughter survives an assassination attempt, and then someone close to her suddenly disappears...
It'd be like announcing to the world that I'm the assassin.
If I could return to my male body, being wanted in this form wouldn't be a problem, but now, that's impossible.
Freedom? What freedom?
I caught sight of a mirror in the room.
Reflected in it wasn't the "man" I had been for sixteen years, but a young girl with long silver hair.
The greatest (not really), small elite (just understaffed), secret (completely unknown) assassin, Number 3, was no more.