Yun Zhen was crouching on the top of the nobleman's estate, his breathing steady and slow as the moon hung low. The small noble, surrounded by opulent amenities, slept underneath him. Zhen's dagger was heavier than he had anticipated and felt icy in his grasp.
This was an execution rather than a duel between equals. Quick and quiet. No glory, no honor. The guild was teaching him that lesson.
He moved silently as he fell through the open window. The sword found its mark in a single, smooth motion. The noble made a sudden, short gasp, and then there was nothing but quiet. Zhen waited for guilt to overwhelm him as he stood over the body. However, it didn't. He knew that the road back to innocence had vanished, leaving only an empty emptiness.
Master Chu smiled knowingly at him as he entered the guild compound again. "Well," Chu muttered. "You're gaining knowledge."
Whispers started to spread like wildfire across the academy's hallways. "Kwan Jin-Ho? His father is the disgraced general, right?
Seo Kyung, who had been waiting for the ideal chance to retaliate following his public humiliation, was the one behind the reports. To his supporters, he mockingly said, "A son of a failure." "What gives him the impression that he can work for the Crown?"
Despite hearing the reports, Jin-Ho made an effort to disregard them. He convinced himself that this was beneath him. However, the glances from his classmates hurt, and he could hear the rumors everywhere.
Mei Lin showed up in the training yard late one evening while he was alone sharpening his sword. She said, "They'll use your father's past to ruin you."
Jin-Ho's hands clenched. "Give them a chance."
Although Yun Zhen's new existence in the guild was a haze of tough training and nocturnal missions, one person in particular—Kaida, Master Chu's daughter—seemed to constantly hover on the periphery of his consciousness.
One night, with her black eyes shining in the moonlight, she saw him rehearsing in the courtyard. As she circled him like a predator, she said, "You're different from the others." "More powerful. More concentrated.
Zhen wiped the perspiration from his forehead without uttering a word. Kaida grinned, as though she thought his silence was funny. She muttered, "My father may be in charge of the guild, but that won't be the case all the time."
Zhen was left wondering what game she was playing and if he wanted to join in when she disappeared back into the shadows.
Jin-Ho remained unflinching in the face of the rumors that were circulating about him. Crown Prince Tae-Min took notice of his unwavering dedication to his training and called him to the palace.
The prince offered Jin-Ho a cup of tea and remarked, "I admire your resolve." "Achieving honor is rarely simple."
Honored by the prince's remarks, Jin-Ho bowed. "Your Highness, I live for service."
The prince's eyes grew intense. "I have an assignment for you if that's accurate. A small border dispute needs to be resolved—in a discreet manner. Proceed there and demonstrate to me that your ambition and skill are compatible.
Jin-Ho's heart raced with anticipation. This was his opportunity.
Yun Zhen was standing in front of Master Chu again at the assassin guild. Chu passed a scroll across the table and declared, "An envoy on royal business is your next target." Make sure they don't ever get there.
Yun Zhen froze as she unfolded the scroll. It was the name of Jin-Ho.
His surroundings appeared to be tilting. The guild wanted to test Zhen's devotion, thus they were aware of Jin-Ho's involvement. Chu's smile was so piercing that it seemed to be daring Zhen to pause.
Zhen nodded after a long pause and slipped the scroll into his sleeve. His heart was raging with conflict, yet his hands were still. This was not the place for old pals.