An Assassin's Anthem

Riley looked up from her book on void magic the next morning. Interesting. Void magic will be handy. She looked back at the book. But if I mix in psychic magic, I can do way more. She thumbed through the pages to the most interesting combination. A sigh distracted her, and she looked at her progress.

[Assassin (C) has advanced: 185 → 186!]

[Bard (C) has advanced: 185 → 186!]

[Ranger (C) has advanced: 185 → 186!]

[Spell Thief (C) has advanced: 185 → 186!]

[Noble (D) has advanced: 250 → 251!]

[Infiltrator (E) has advanced: 29 → 32!]

[Enchanter(F) has advanced: 50 → 53!]

[Alchemist (E) has advanced: 119 → 121!]

Clearing it away, she looked over at her guard, who was lounging in a seat by the door. “Are you bored?”

“Yes. This is boring,” the woman said, sighing and looking over.

“You should get a book, or cards, or something.” Riley spun back with a scowl. I can’t play Music’s lute, go hunting, or take any jobs. She returned to her book and copied the spell, carefully adding the option to her spellbook.

Finishing it up, she closed her book, and a knock echoed through her room.

The guard turned and opened the door, quirking a brow. “Come inside, Roger.”

“Can you give us a moment?” Roger asked, walking into the room and studying the contents.

Riley spun and looked up. “You’re back.” She grinned.

Roger nodded and looked at the guard.

The guard shuffled to the door. “I’m under instruction to check in periodically.”

“Fine, fine,” Roger said, reaching for the door. “I won’t be long.”

The guard closed the door, and Roger walked forward, his hands moving quickly. “Althea says ‘hello and that she misses you.’”

“What’s with her anyway?” Riley signed back.

“She wants you to join the elves.” Roger paused. “I’m not sure why. There’s something she isn’t saying.”

Riley paused. What isn’t she saying? She considered her conversations and paused. “Did she mention my grandparents? Is that why? Lucas mentioned something.”

“That’s my guess. She didn’t answer.”

Riley considered it. “Is it worse there? Is that the secret? Why not just tell me?”

“I don’t know.” Roger frowned. “I will try to do some research.”

“Thanks. What did you find out about Lucas?”

“He has a deception skill better than my insight,” Roger shook his head. “He’s working with Althea, too.”

Riley nodded. “I think he’s a thief that came from Shorove.”

“That, I believe.” Roger walked over and pulled Riley into a hug. “I am sorry about your grandparents.”

Riley smiled sadly at him. “Are you alright?”

Roger nodded. “It’s expected.” He released the hug.

Riley looked at him. “Dad, I want to meet them, and I’m not sure about things here. It’ll be worth staying for this week, but after that?”

“I’m planning,” Roger signed. “This nation will fall. The elves are plotting. That’s very obvious now. Only the gods know how much they’ve set up.”

Riley nodded. “Are we leaving then?”

“Not yet. The elves want help, and it’ll be risky. The fighting at the border has already picked up.” Roger sighed. “And I’d prefer to keep my parents alive.”

Riley nodded. “Me too.” She smiled. “I’ve been banned from the tournament. So were the prince and princess. That surprised me.”

“Smart of them,” Roger said, letting her go. “How have your runs been going?”

“Well. I managed some deeper clears.” Riley sat on her bed and looked up at him. A crooked smile spread across her face. “Can we have some fun on the front?”

Roger’s eyes widened. “Did you spend too much time reading?”

Riley nodded. “I need a little excitement.”

“We’ll see. I worry.” Roger grimaced. “The front will be dangerous, and I need you to be safe.”

Riley frowned. “Do the mages there just unload their mana too?”

“Yes. I need to get some null gear if possible,” Roger said with a growing frown. “Those are extremely useful in wars.”

Riley opened her desk, grabbed one, and handed it to him.

Roger looked at it and studied the enchantment. He smiled. “I should have known.”

“I’m working on those.” Riley grinned and gestured to a book.

Roger flipped through each. “You’ve been busy. Enchanting and alchemy?”

“Yes. I want to make potions and magical things. It’s a good use if I haven’t used my mana for the day.” Riley smiled and winked. She summoned Music’s lute and held it up. “I also got this.” Then she signed to her father. “Do you think Althea is lying to me?”

“Directly, no. She’s not saying everything, but she isn’t lying,” Roger signed back.

Riley looked at the instrument and forced it away before she got tempted to play it. I hate this kingdom. She huffed and turned back to the book.

Roger patted her shoulder. “We’ll help the elves and move.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Riley smiled up at him. “Did they agree to let you escort me?”

“Yes. Legally, you’re allowed a guard. They couldn’t argue.” Roger gestured to the door. “How are you enjoying your current guard?”

“I wish they’d stop blaming me for things.”

“It’s for your protection,” the guard said through the door. “You were nearly killed. We can’t let that happen again.”

Riley sighed and shrugged. “There you have it.” She shook her head. The bell outside rang, and her guard burst into the room.

Roger turned and scowled. “Do you mind? You could hear us just fine!”

The guard frowned and searched the room.

Riley sighed. “What does this one mean?”

“I’m uncertain,” the guard said, straightening and looking at them both. She listened to the bell.

Riley stood and straightened her dress. Grabbing her gear, she strapped it on and headed to the academy, walking out of her room and heading down the halls.

Roger followed. “Do you know what they mean?”

“No idea, but we’re finding out,” Riley said, opening the door and promptly stopping. She stared out at the massive group of guards. They milled around the palace and stables. Turning, she looked over at the steps of the palace. The king was standing there, and a captain was next to him.

“… It is confirmed. A small group of elites breached our line. Conscription will begin immediately. You have your orders.” The captain nodded, and the guards splintered apart.

Seeker Holt walked forward, nodding to Riley. “You’re being summoned earlier than expected.”

Riley looked at him in surprise. “But my runs,” she protested.

“You’ll get them this weekend, but you’re leaving now. Get ready. They expect you with the first group.” The seeker turned and walked away.

Riley turned and walked back to her room. She carefully packed up her attire, notes, and books. I can’t believe I didn’t even get half a term. She sighed out into the room.

“It’ll be alright,” Roger said, clearing off her desk.

Riley shook her head. “So much for the academy.”

“Just crush them quickly,” her guard said with a crooked smile.

“Jokes on you. You’re coming with me,” Riley replied, smirking back at the woman.

“You can’t order that.”

Riley stuffed a blanket in her pack. “I will be a future duchess and am already a future baron. You seem to have forgotten.” She grinned. “Just because I don’t live in the palace.”

The guard grimaced. “You aren’t sending me to the front. I’m only D-tier.”

“It’ll be good for you,” Riley said, chuckling softly and walking over to her hidden compartment. Pulling up the board, she motioned to her father.

Roger rushed over and packed the contents in a rapid blur. The guard blinked and frowned.

“No, you can’t take my crystals,” Riley said, bumping her guard away.

“You have a chest right there,” the guard said, gesturing to the locked, iron-bound chest.

Riley rolled her eyes. “Like I’m going to hide the valuable things in the obvious spot.” She shook her head and grabbed her remaining things, stashing them into her bag.

Grabbing the bag, she looked around the room again, searching for anything she’d left. Finding nothing but a barren room, she turned and headed for the door. “Sorry about your money, Dad.”

“Oh, we’ll get the money back, or there will be a problem,” Roger said, striding toward the door. “I’ll speak with that seeker.”

Riley followed him. I hope they don’t want me to fight that elite group. She moved closer to her father and walked out the door.

~~~

Althea sped down the road with a scowl on her face. Of course, they’re losing. She frowned. And that means I’ll need Riley to stay here. Gods, please help her forgive me for that.

Speeding past a forest, she looked off to the horizon. A group of A-tier and B-tier soldiers were charging toward the distant village. The local militia scrambled into position, lining themselves behind the wooden picket. Fear glinted in their eyes. Hunger glinted in the eyes of the charging soldiers, and Althea used Tree Stride.

Appearing next to a tree, she pulled out both blades and leapt, pouncing on the group like a hunting cat. Her blades cut the first soldier down in a spray of blood. Spinning, she impaled another, cutting through her spine.

The group turned, and a stream of fire shot from one’s hands. Althea dove, rolled, and stabbed upward, cutting the mage in half. Blood burst around her, twisting and forming daggers.

Althea’s eyes blazed as she ripped the bloody daggers through the group. The soldiers dropped to the ground, blood spraying around her in streams of red. She vaulted upward, running back for the capital. Gods, what a mess.

“Wait!” a guard shouted from the town.

Althea continued running, her mana depleted. That was risky. Pain ripped through her, pulling her from the thought. She looked down and saw a gash running through her armor and across her chest. When did that happen? Pulling out a potion, she downed it and felt her skin knit back together.

Her stride lengthened as she ran. Trees and fields blurred around her. What else did we miss, Neria? She contemplated it while she ran.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 236

Bard (C)

Level: 186 + 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: 186 + 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: 186

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: 186 Inactive.

Noble (D)

Level: 251 Inactive.

Enchanter (F)

Level: 53 Inactive.

Alchemist (D)

Level: 121 Inactive.

Infiltrator (E)

Level: 32 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 1043

Strength 472

Speed 404

Intelligence 472

Charisma 689

Stamina 856

Mana 1032

Inspiration 423