The target
The method
The place
These are only three things important for a man in my occupation, or should I say, the work of an assassin. It sounds easier than it looks, once you get used to it.
"do you think you can handle this, Number 247, Elicit?"
"Yes." I accepted without hesitation
"No holds barred. The target is in the palace. Eliminate the other guards outside and if necessary, the townspeople."
"yes" I nodded.
It is all too simple. A life ends when one is stripped of their spirit control. To do this, the slayer must first control his spirit to match the light and hide his spiritual presence, and eventually disappear from all senses. A quick, painless blow then shatters the victim, a heart-stopping motion.
The palace. Known for its tight security, the guards themselves can easily outrank and outflank an assassin if they play their numbers.
"A...Assa..." the palace gate guards huffed with their last breaths.
"Tsk, I've wasted too much time" I said, dashing through the hallways
I, Elicit, dislike this job. I keep to myself how sketchy the job was. Royals hiring an assassin was commonplace, but the reverse was not. My contract binds me. If I return now, my contractor, and the assassin's guild, Tooth and Nail, would definitely take my head.
"It's no use hiding assassin" his majesty said.
"I shall protect my wife and child to the end!" he shouted, raising his sword arm .
I felt immense fear. This man, the king of Feuerstahl, the steel emperor himself, can feel my presence. I was practically quivering in his mere presence. It was said that he earned his title merely with his dominating aura.
"I am here, your majesty" I uncloaked myself, leaning on an ivory pillar.
"Who is it that you wish to kill?" The king asked, keeping his guard up.
"Not you"
The king slowly walked towards me. His massive physique, battle scarred.
"My wife...?!" his deep voice threatened.
"No"
"Calvin...!" he raised his voice
The mere mention of my prey made me flinch. His majesty did not have any children. There were no reports of an heir. It was only then that it came to me.
"There's a rat" I grunted.
I raised my hands in the air, like a white flag. I closed my eyes. I knelt down without hesitation. I clenched my teeth, preparing for what is to come.
"Stand, child. I know how the guild works." his majesty smiled. "There are boundaries"
I was surprised. To think that the man that stopped the war had spared me, a hitman. In the past, no person who killed for coin was ever forgiven.
"I...see." I slowly stood up. "Your majesty, forgive my actions. I-"
I dashed to his neck. I shaped my hand like a knife, aiming for his vitals. It was merely a half-second. A relentless stroke that meant death to the first thing it touches.
But then, as my hand approached his vulnerable throat, he did not wink. He did not move, and he did not falter. It was as if he was expecting my sudden treachery. There was no sweat from both he and I. The sudden rush slightly fluttered his royal cape, and brushed my own brown hair. The adrenaline rush blew the room, and died. I stopped my assault mid-way, just before my fingers touched his jugular.
"Do you know why I am called the steel emperor?" He asked, staring at me.
I slowly shook my head and smiled.
"Fancy title, isn't it?" he laughed the question off.
