Their sentence was hanging.
Carl selected sturdy branches, tied nooses, and hung each assassin one by one. Hanging was not only simpler than beheading but also served as a public warning when signs were placed beneath the bodies.
After a time, all the lifeless bodies dangled from the branches, swaying gently. Among them was the corpse of the group's apparent leader, which was brought to Michael. Carl, Miaomiao, and Michael had already decided that Michael would absorb abilities from only the most worthy targets, and this assassin fit the bill.
Placing his hand on the limp body, Michael uttered the familiar incantation:
"Absorptionem eligo!"
As always, the process revealed the absorbed ability immediately.
"Shadow Concealment!" Michael exclaimed.
Jackpot. He had expected something mundane, like tracking or memorization skills, but this was an extraordinary find.
