An Assassin's Anthem

Riley walked toward the academy on Monday morning. Snow and smoke washed around her, blown by a soft breeze. She glanced at her notifications while she walked.

[Assassin (C) has advanced: 184 → 185!]

[Bard (C) has advanced: 184 → 185!]

[Ranger (C) has advanced: 184 → 185!]

[Spell Thief (C) has advanced: 184 → 185!]

[Infiltrator (F) has advanced: 126 → 129!]

Two dungeons at once are not ideal, and I should reset Infiltrator. She sighed and walked into the academy. With her fingers dragging along the wall, she traced the wooden grain and entered the dining room.

Walking to a table, she sat and looked at the instructors, who were already gathered. We’re getting another lecture, aren’t we? Looking at the grim expressions, she was certain that was true.

Pausing a moment, she turned inward and found her infiltrator class. Pushing on it, she willed it to compress.

[Infiltrator (F) - 129 has advanced to Infiltrator (E) - 29.]

[Your base level has advanced: 235 → 236!]

I’m just going to sacrifice it eventually. She didn’t bother looking at the upgrade. Instead, she turned and smiled at her friends.

Timothy walked into the room, headed toward their table, and sat beside Emma.

Riley quirked her brow. “My prince?”

“Hello, Riley,” Timothy said, glaring at the guards. “I need a break, and I wanted to warn you not to overreact.” He gestured a servant over and whispered to her.

Riley turned and waved at her guard. What does that mean? She waited to see if the prince would clarify. When he didn’t, she turned to Dwight, who sat beside Lin.

Dwight sighed. “The duels this week.”

“Overreacting?” Riley asked.

“You’re banned,” Kamal said, stretching and reaching for his cup.

Riley frowned and reached for her own. That isn’t fair at all. She glanced at her skills. Not that I could use my skills without causing myself all the problems. “Do I at least get a crystal as a reward for not participating?” she asked.

“No,” Timothy said, shaking his head.

“That’s not fair. You know that, right?” Riley asked.

“You’ve had two extra runs,” Timothy replied.

“And it’ll cost me two future runs. It only hurts me.” Riley huffed and crossed her arms.

Timothy sighed and held up his hand. “And that’s why I’m sitting here. I’m not having a future ally throw it all away over a couple of crystals.”

Oh. I see. He’s planning. Riley quirked a brow. “So, you’re here to stop me from getting expelled or worse?”

“Yes, you’re a future ally even if you have to stay out of it. And I will find a way to surpass my sister,” Timothy said.

Riley nodded. “But I will only get two more runs?”

“Yes. And the wild dungeon may be put on lockdown.” Timothy sighed. “Fool boys. The condemnation were they thinking?”

“They were after power. You saw,” Dwight said, studying her.

Riley crossed her arms and quirked her brow at him. “What?”

Dwight blushed and turned away. “I’m not sure you’ll get your payment from Hassan either,” he said.

Riley sighed. “I’ll inform the guild. If he wishes a black mark, so be it.”

Timothy sighed. “Riley. Don’t push on it.”

No wonder he’s sitting here. Riley sat there and looked around the room. She picked up her glass and sipped. He’s probably behind that, but I’ll get my run regardless. She picked up the silverware and turned to the servant. “Thanks.”

The servant smiled at her and placed down the hash. He bowed and winked, gesturing to his pocket.

Riley nodded and started eating. They’ve picked up on things quickly enough. She watched the princess walk through the room and sit at a table.

Seeker Holt stood and walked forward. “Welcome, students. It is the fifth week, and we will have our standard tournaments. However, we must discuss the events of this weekend.” He paused and looked out through the room.

Riley turned and looked at the crowded tables and polished walls. Students were eating and looking at the seeker, and a few were whispering.

“We lost two students this weekend. While I would remind you that it’s good to push yourself, blind lust for power will end with your demise.” The seeker turned and looked at Riley. “And while there are some highly competent or lucky people this year, I’d advise against pushing recklessly. Level two is dangerous. Level three and beyond is far worse. Don’t throw your lives away, pushing them when you can’t survive.” He looked through the room. “There is nothing wrong with a level one clear. You’d all do well to remember that. As we lost two, we will not return to the wild dungeon this term.”

Riley resumed eating. And there’s that.

“Now, we did have one group clear level four this week, but I should warn you that this was due to extreme fortune from the gods. Pushing to such depths can easily end with your death.” The seeker walked forward and handed out crystals. “Losing your life is not worth it,” he stated while handing one to each.

Riley took the crystal and and tucked it into her purse.

The seeker walked back to the front of the room. “We also had another clear the second level and nearly clear the third,” he nodded toward the princess. “It was an impressive showing with the correct amount of restraint.”

He spun back to the class. “Now, we will have evening and afternoon tournaments, concluding with the finals this weekend. However, after some discussion with their majesties, we have added some rules.” He paused and glared two students into silence. “First, lasting harm will be grounds for disqualification. Second, we have a few students who will not be participating. First, Lady Riley will be excused as she has had an unfair number of dungeon runs.” He paused and glared at anyone that went to talk. “And the prince and princess will not be participating due to their grace.”

Riley jerked up and stared at the prince. I didn’t expect that. A ripple of noise spread through the room. Faces grew lighter, and smiles spread throughout the room.

Timothy sighed and slumped in his chair. He looked over. “You aren’t the only one who got banned. Our parents said that we’d likely win by default. Then they banned us.”

“Enjoy the paperwork,” Riley said, chuckling.

Timothy groaned. “Don’t get me started. I need to hire someone to do it.”

Riley finished her breakfast and looked around the room of excited students who wished to win some fame and crystals. It really isn’t fair. She looked at her two friends. But it’s likely for the best. She looked at her empty cup and grinned. This should work even if I’m stretching the definition of potion.

Focusing on a recipe from her book, she triggered Conjure Potion and filled her glass with warm, lavender tea. Picking it up, she drank and enjoyed the flavor.

Timothy quirked a brow. “I was going to ask about that. When did you get an alchemy skill?”

“Potions skill,” Riley lied. “And I got the skill by making potions during the princess’s run.” She grinned.

Timothy stared at her, his mouth hanging open.

Dwight spun. “You sat down and brewed a potion in a wild dungeon?” he asked, his mouth wide open.

“Sure did.” Riley grinned. “I brought the supplies so that I could do it quickly.” She chuckled. “Now I can make tea.” She sipped it happily.

Timothy shook his head. “You’re going to end up like Hassan.”

“Maybe.” Riley sipped her tea.

“What’s next?” Lin asked with a smirk. “Are you going to enchant something in a dungeon?”

“That’s a good idea,” Riley said, nodding.

“She already did that,” Dwight said, staring at her.

Timothy rubbed his forehead. “You have issues.”

Riley laughed and sipped her tea. Which one should I try for next time? She mused on the possibilities; Student was the one she could guarantee. Maybe I can sell stuff next time? Merchant’s an option if we get a village.

The seeker coughed, and quiet fell on the group. “I also advise everyone to be cautious when moving outside the palace grounds. We are at war, and it is escalating.”

Riley looked over. Timothy held out a ribbon. Rolling her eyes, she took the black ribbon and triggered Pretty. Black and red ribbon pulled up into her hair, weaving through it.

“Thank you, Goddess Beauty.

I’m glad you understand.

These two are both warring.

I need to have a plan.

For now, I am indifferent.

Perhaps that will soon change.

We’ll see just what my father thinks.

And what burns down in flame.”

Timothy huffed. “Where’d you get the red ribbon?”

“Beauty,” Riley said with a crooked smile. “Sorry, but I am under orders. And don’t ask me to hold back for the princess. I only get two more runs this term. I’m not wasting them.”

The magus walked up and studied both of them. “Lady Riley, please don’t cause issue.”

“Sorry, Magus,” Riley said, shrugging. “I was offered a ribbon and chose both.”

Timothy sighed and crossed his arms.

“Very well. And I heard that you used potions last run?” Victoria asked.

“I have the potioneer class. I hope to upgrade it to Alchemist.” Riley smiled at her.

Victoria smiled. “That’s a very useful class. I certainly understand the desire.” She paused. “Would you like to aid with healing during the tournament? It may aid your future skills.”

“If I’m around for it, sure,” Riley said cheerily. Better than sitting there bored. “I can make some potions or do a little healing, but my skill isn’t the best.”

“That’s fine.” Victoria turned to the prince. “No more ribbons, your majesty,” she stated firmly. “The king and queen are focused on the war, as you should be.”

Timothy scowled. “I’m building allegiance.”

“It will be reported, per our orders,” Victoria stated firmly. She turned and walked away.

Riley pulled out a book, and the Truthseeker stepped up once more.

Walking forward, he looked at the class. “Now, since there has been much discussion about safety and groups, we will revisit a prior lesson. What is the ideal way to approach a dungeon?”

Riley looked back at her book.

“Scout, be prepared, and don’t risk things,” a student said.

“Correct. You need to have a leader and plan your moves,” Holt said.

“What if you don’t have time to prepare?” someone asked.

“You need a leader and must trust each other,” Holt replied. “But do not risk your lives. That’s paramount. At a certain point, continuing is always a mistake. What point is it?” He looked around the room. “Riley!” he barked.

Riley looked up from her book. “When you know you’re at risk. If you are out of resources, it’s time to retreat. If the dungeon is safe, you can camp. However, those rely on you having some defensive position near the exit. An open swamp doesn’t qualify.”

“Correct,” Holt said, scanning through the other students. “They are like a war. You must monitor resources and organize yourselves…”

Riley turned back to her book, studying and memorizing the formulas for various potions.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 236

Bard (C)

Level: 185 + 1

Dominating Presence D Enemies within sixty meters of you lose 10 strength, 10 dexterity, and 10 speed. You may use inspiration to boost the range and the effect temporarily.

Spirit Blade C +1 level to assigned class. Manifest an ethereal blade of psychic energy that will vanish after thirty seconds or six seconds after being thrown. Costs one stamina or one mana to manifest a blade.

Restoring Presence D Subjects regain 1 stamina and 1 mana every half hour; their healing is augmented by 10%. Allies within 50 meters count as subjects. You may use mana to send out a burst of healing. You may use inspiration to expand and increase the effect.

Empowering Presence D Your subjects gain +10 strength, +10 dexterity, and +10 movement speed; allies within twenty meters count as subjects. You may use Bardic Inspiration to temporarily boost the range and the effect.

Assassin (C)

Level: 185 + 12

Assume Disguise S +30 charisma. Enhance your current disguise by altering your displayed information and taking on the disguised form. Grants +5 levels to the assigned class. Perception and Insight suffer -250 levels against your disguise and -50 levels against your deception or stealth. Penalty applied: Gods’ Oversight.

Momentous Tempo B +10 speed. This boost will increase to up to +100 for every ten seconds you are in motion. Slowing in any way will reduce the effect. +2 levels to assigned class. You may use a charge of inspiration to boost your movement speed by an additional 10 for a minute.

Death's Cloak A Slain enemies will grant experience to your base level and active classes. +3 levels to the assigned class. Perception and insight suffer -25 levels against you. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Ambush B +10 speed. +2 levels to the assigned class. Costs one stamina to use. On use, you teleport to a shadow within 20 meters. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Ranger (C)

Level: 185

Predatory Sight D Your perception and insight are boosted by 25. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. You may use 1 stamina to double this effect for 10 seconds.

Control Water E Manipulate the water around you. Cost varies based on amount.

Pretty D Your appearance is nice, but it could be so grand. Use a mana to get Beauty’s help! She may provide it anyway. Oh, and you’ll stand out in a crowd! After all, everyone knows a Beauty.

Music's Lute - You may summon this lute from the heavens. It will return to the heavens when you will it away.

Spell Thief (C) Level: 185 Inactive.

Noble (D)

Level: 250 Inactive.

Enchanter (F)

Level: 50 Inactive.

Alchemist (D)

Level: 119 Inactive.

Infiltrator (E)

Level: 29 Inactive.

- -

Conjure Storm D Manipulate or conjure up a storm. Mana cost varies.

Conjure Potion D Create a potion. Cost varies based on the poison type and requirements.

Dexterity 1040

Strength 472

Speed 402

Intelligence 472

Charisma 688

Stamina 854

Mana 1029

Inspiration 422