NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4 - The “job” begins
After the client had left, Greg snapped his fingers. A hidden panel in the wall slid open silently. From within emerged two figures: a girl known only as Ghost and a man in his late twenties with a nervous demeanor.
“Well, Ghost, anything fishy about what she said?” Greg asked.
“No lies,” she replied flatly. “She only stated the truth.”
Greg nodded in satisfaction. That was why he’d brought her along. Ghost possessed several special abilities, one of which was her proficiency in detection-based magic.
Magic. It was the manipulation of a substance called mana, an energy that permeated the atmosphere. While many humans couldn’t harness this power, those who could were highly valued and often held positions of power. They were commonly known as mages. Some, specializing in healing magic, were called healers.
Most mages were employed by royalty or nobility and used their powers as weapons of war. As a result, they focused primarily on developing offensive magic, as battlefield prowess was the key to their status and privilege.
Therefore, mages who specialized in mundane abilities like detection were few and far between. But for those outside of magical circles, such abilities were invaluable—for scouts, thieves, adventurers, and of course, assassins.
It was rare for someone with magical potential to become an assassin. But fortunately, Ghost possessed such a talent. One of the spells she’d developed was a lie-detection spell, a highly useful tool in the assassination business. That was why Greg had brought her along.
“Hans, how long will it take to gather background information?”
“We already had a general idea that Curtis von Endorc would eventually become a target. So, we’ve already done some preliminary research. I think we can gather the necessary information within a day.”
“Good work,” Greg replied, nodding in satisfaction.
Hans might not be the strongest fighter, but his intelligence and analytical skills were invaluable for this kind of work. He was meticulous, logical, and cautious, making him an indispensable asset for the assassin guild’s financial matters and information gathering.
“Alright, let’s proceed as planned. Hans, gather the information and bring it to me as soon as possible. Ghost, prepare your equipment. We’ll need gear for field work.”
“Understood,” Hans and Ghost replied in unison. Immediately, they began to carry out their tasks.
“Let’s make ‘some’ money,” Greg muttered with a sinister grin.
Ghost returned to her room and opened the closet. She examined the contents and selected the necessary items for the mission.
First, she chose her armor. This mission might involve direct combat or encounters with monsters or bandits along the way. Therefore, she needed at least minimal protection.
She took out a leather chestplate. Made of rigid leather, boiled in a special chemical to achieve both hardness and lightness, it provided adequate protection for vital organs without hindering her movement. She also selected leather bracers and shin guards, which were well-maintained and in good condition.
Next, she drew her short sword from its sheath. She examined the blade for sharpness and the hilt for security. It was a slightly curved single-edged sword, unlike the more common straight swords in this region. The blade had several shallow grooves carved into its side.
For everyday work, a dagger was sufficient, but this mission might involve facing monsters. A weapon with more power was necessary, and this short sword was the most suitable option among her arsenal.
For emergencies, she also prepared a fast-acting nerve toxin. While it wouldn’t cause instant death, it could immobilize an opponent for a brief moment.
Other items included a shuttered lantern that used magic instead of oil for a longer duration and adjustable light intensity, various tools for lockpicking, a blanket and sleeping pad for camping, a leather bag for carrying water, and a backpack to hold all her equipment.
She had regularly maintained these items, which she didn’t use very often, ensuring they were in good working condition. The only thing left to prepare was food, which could be arranged closer to the departure time.
Satisfied with her preparations, Ghost nodded. She had everything that she would need. She then gathered her equipment and placed it in a corner of the room. Then, she began her daily stretching routine to maintain her physical fitness.
After confirming that her body was in optimal condition, she climbed into bed and prepared for the following day. She entered a state between sleep and wakefulness, a state where she could sense any abnormalities immediately while also ensuring rest for her brain and body.
**Next: Into the Ruins of the Forest**