"This won't suffice here…" she muttered, then turned to the other assassins.
Take Daren to the advanced medical center immediately.
There's no time to delay.
After performing basic healing on Death, Aletha stepped back and regarded him calmly.
You're strong, but your body needs rest now. Don't be reckless.
While the others carefully transported Daren on a medical stretcher, one voice lingered in the background, repeating the question no one dared confront:
"Why wasn't Karen here? What's really happening?"
But no one answered.
Silence was safer than confronting the uncomfortable truth.
-
In his tent, Death lay exhausted.
Though his body slowly began to heal, his mind was in turmoil, replaying the events of the battle and questioning the true motives behind Karen's disappearance.
Exhaustion pulled him into a deep sleep that lasted for two full days.
This slumber was more than just rest—it was essential for recovering from the two life-threatening injuries he had sustained in a single day:
first during his mission, and second while saving Commander Daren.
When Death finally awoke, his strength had returned, though a lingering pain reminded him of the ordeal.
Pain was no stranger to him; it was a constant companion.
Rising slowly, he dressed in simple clothing and stepped out of his tent to find a member of his squad standing guard.
"You're awake at last," the man said with a faint smile, a mixture of respect and relief in his voice.
"How long has it been?" Death asked, his tone devoid of emotion.
"Two full days. Commander Aletha ordered someone to remain here until you recovered. Everyone's been asking about you."
Death nodded silently, uninterested in further details.
Yet, the man's gaze spoke volumes. He looked at Death with a mixture of reverence and awe.
Death wasn't just their leader—he had become a legend among them.
A man with no ability to wield energy had defeated the nobles' strongest energy-trained fighter.
That feat had elevated him to an almost mythical status in their eyes.
Their faith in him was absolute, but the fear he inspired was just as profound.
"There's a reward waiting for you," the man added, breaking the silence.
"Shadow points and energy pills."
Without responding, Death headed straight to the mission hall.
The moment he entered, the room fell into a heavy silence.
Conversations and movements ceased, as though everyone was in the presence of an overwhelming force.
At the mission desk, the attendant awaited him.
His face reflected a mix of anxiety and reverence, his hands trembling slightly as he handed over the rewards.
"These are your rewards," the attendant said nervously. "For your role in the mission, you've earned enough shadow points to upgrade your gear.
Additionally, for defeating the nobles' most powerful energy fighter, you've been granted the red pill to enhance your combat abilities. Finally, for saving Commander Daren, you've been awarded a one-month training session with one of the top three commanders."
Accepting the rewards in silence, Death watched as the attendant added, "Since you previously purchased the blue pill for energy training, both pills are now included in your package."
With a simple nod, Death left and made his way to the assassins' armory. Inside, he carefully selected new gear.
He purchased a dark, intricately designed outfit tailored for professional assassins, adorned with mysterious patterns that radiated strength and secrecy.
He then replaced his old weapons with advanced ones, designed for precision and enhanced with cutting-edge technology to maximize his efficiency in combat.
By the time he had spent nearly all his shadow points, Death was fully equipped for the challenges ahead.
Returning to his tent, he opened the guide for the two pills.
The cryptic language in the manual seemed oddly familiar, and he quickly realized he could read it with ease.
"This must come from the memories of this body's former owner,"
he murmured, his gaze sharpening. He began studying the guide, recognizing that every step he took would unlock new realms of power.