Episode 192. The Helpers (2)
The next day.
Siren stopped by the Garden of Bones. It was time for Rubin and Kuze to begin their ‘Shadow Force Master’ lesson for their vassals.
however-
“What’s going on?”
I saw the gods standing in front of the entrance to the Garden of Bones.
Killian, Damon, Lang’s assassination squad, and even Kuze. They were the people involved in the class. Let’s take a closer look in the dark, and the general situation can be guessed.
“hmm…….”
There were only two people in the training room. It seemed like there was something to tie up before class could begin.
“Siren.”
Killian gulped down the Oakum, made a “haha” sound, and explained the current situation.
“He asked me to leave for a moment, saying he had something to talk to his brothers about. It must have been humiliating for Dorian to be called out here. But Rubin said you gave him permission?”
“That’s right, I gave permission for it.”
“Anyway, Rubin… Even the way he suppresses his brothers is different.”
Now, the gap between the two is so big that it is meaningless to compare them. Rubin’s actions were no different from trying to trample on Dorian’s last bit of pride.
The strongest inherit the family line. That was the way of the assassins, Roinen, but Killian felt uneasy. Excessive suppression only arouses evil.
‘We’ll have to wait and see.’
Siren remembered what Rubin had said to her yesterday. He had said that he was not trying to humiliate Dorian. He had said that by spreading his unique magic, he would give Dorian a weapon too.
In Siren’s eyes, this did not seem like the arrogance of a strong person. It felt like it was paving the way for solidarity and trust.
“Let’s come back later.”
Siren turned her steps with anticipation, wondering what the two brothers would look like by the end of their training.
Training grounds in the Garden of Bones.
“… … .”
There was an awkward silence between Rubin and Dorian.
Humiliation. Defeat. And yet, a simmering hatred. That was Dorian’s state of mind as he glared at Rubin.
Dorian did not hide his feelings. He spoke with force in each word, as if gritting his teeth.
“I saw the way you defeated the vassals. It was like seeing a prince from a long-standing noble family.”
Just a moment ago, at Rubin’s request to step aside for a moment, Damon, who was under his immediate command, led the other vassals out of the training grounds.
That wasn’t the only surprising thing. The identity of the vassals that Damon had brought out was a shock that felt like a huge hit to Dorian’s head.
‘The old assassin was the lord’s Roynenser, and the other three were Lang’s assassins?’
The power of the main family that I had only heard of through words.
Dorian only found out about their true identities today, but Rubin seemed to have known them for a long time. Moreover, the reason they showed up at the training ground was to learn witchcraft from Rubin.
“But haven’t you been nominated as the next head of the household yet?”
Rubin nodded obediently as Dorian continued to speak.
“Yes, I know. I have no intention of being arrogant to you either.”
When Rubin was a baby, I should have killed him when I spied on him in the ‘Cradle of Hundred Days’. Dorian clenched his fists with that thought.
Dorian’s murderous intent burst out in an instant. However, it was suppressed murderous intent. Dorian’s reason was clearly aware of its limits.
Now, even if you wanted to kill Rubin, you couldn’t. If you tried to kill him, you would end up dying yourself. This was an undeniable, harsh reality.
‘That feeling of helplessness… I can relate to that.’
If it was a feeling of helplessness, Rubin was not unaware of it.
No, I knew it too well.
Even though the object that evoked those feelings was completely different, it remained as a scar for Rubin that would not go away.
‘Dorian, you don’t remember this damn thing. But I have every moment of the Assassins’ fall etched into my head.’
“… … !”
Dorian took a step back without realizing it. The genuine murderous intent was incomparable to his suppressed murderous intent. He couldn’t help but flinch.
As they took another step back, the fog filled in between them. But Rubin followed Dorian, his eyes shining through the fog, like a monster closing in.
“older brother.”
“… … ?”
In the end, is this guy… trying to get revenge on his enemies by beating them?
But the next moment.
The darkness that had made it difficult to live was slowly dissipating. It felt like the blade held against my neck was being quickly taken away.
“I do not intend to kill or cripple you, my brother. I do not intend to humiliate you. I sincerely intend to teach you the secret art of my Roinenser.”
“… Seriously? Where did you learn such romantic language? Did you think I’d be grateful if you said that?”
“… … .”
“Maphis avoided talking about you while he was alive. Now I think I know why he did that. There must have been something going on between you and Maphis.”
“… Yes, I had a fight with Brother Mafis four years ago.”
Dorian swallowed hard. Four years ago? A hollow laugh escaped his lips as he guessed Rubin’s age at the time.
‘Yes, this guy has been hiding his true colors for a very long time. He was born strangely. He was also expected to win the first and second selections.’
“It was 4 years ago… So the humiliation I feel now is nothing compared to the dead Mafis? So stop talking nonsense and just learn the tricks you teach me?”
“no.”
“You hypocritical little brat.”
Rubin let out a deep sigh. Dorian’s hostility toward him showed no sign of abating.
Would it be better to press down with force?
But Rubin soon dismissed the thought.
Because I knew all too well that negotiation was better than oppression, and trust was better than negotiation, in order to make someone my person.
Rubin immediately continued what he had been trying to say.
“I was just about to talk about Brother Mafis, so that’s good. As I just said, I fought him in a duel four years ago. That’s why I can confidently say that.”
“What are you talking about?”
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“The death of Brother Mafis, which was the beginning of this situation. The mistake and the punishment that followed. There is a dark truth behind it.”
At the expression that seemed to require further explanation, Rubin quickly continued.
“When the Chief of the Imperial Order came here, I went out to greet him. And as he instructed, I identified Brother Mafis’ body.”
“…however?”
“Brother Mafis’ death may be different from what is known. No, I am sure it will be different.”
Dorian strained his eyes and thought back to Maphis’ death.
According to what he knows, not only did Mafis fail to complete the assassination at the appointed time, he also later mistakenly identified the target, thus inviting his own death.
“My brother had no choice but to die.”
“Because you’re weak?”
“Of course, if you were stronger, you could have endured a little longer. But even so, you would have had to die.”
“… Are you saying it was a trap?”
“There were two types of battle marks on your brother’s body that I confirmed. According to the report that came down to us, one of them was left by the Knight Commander of the Royal House of Kratu.”
That’s the superficial reason for Mafis’ death.
His original mission was to assassinate a merchant who had stopped by the capital of the Kingdom of Kratu, but he failed and was killed by the commander of the Royal Knights who were in the same space.
“And the other one is the secret swordsmanship of the imperial edict.”
Dorian knew that the swordsmanship was being passed down through the Imperial Guard itself, even though he had never seen it firsthand.
“Of course you would think so. That the Imperial Command intervened to deal with the accident. But I think differently.”
“… … .”
“In terms of timing, the Imperial Order’s auror was at least a day ahead.”
Dorian’s eyes darkened. He realized what Rubin meant.
Someone in the Imperial Order attacked Mafis, who fled for a day or so before being killed by the Commander of the Royal Knights of Kratu.
“… That is a wild guess.”
“You may take it that way. You may doubt that I know anything about the secret swordsmanship of the Imperial Order. However, I am certain that this punishment was planned from the beginning.”
At that moment, Rubin unleashed his ‘shadow force field’. It was a secret technique he would teach Dorian in the future.
Dorian felt the hemispherical darkness surrounding them.
‘Zero gravity space.’
A space where those who possess darkness are free, but where the movements of those who do not are suppressed.
“If, as you said, the Imperial Order killed the Assassination Swordsman, and the son of the main family at that… what could be worse than this?”
“That’s why I want you to become stronger, hyung.”
“… … .”
“Because my brother and I are dead, the Roinen bloodline cannot be cut off.”
With those words, the shadow force field disappeared. The difference in air was delicate. To be honest, it was a dark trick that Dorian could not help but be envious of.
“I ‘truly’ wanted you to come here. Not for personal reasons, but for the sake of our Roinen family. You make the decision yourself.”
“… … .”
“Well then, that’s it, the gods are waiting.”
Rubin turned around and walked straight towards the training ground door.
When I come back, will Dorian still be there? I don’t know.
Dorian Roinen.
An ordinary person consumed by wrong desires and personal feelings.
But talent is nothing else. If you remove the impurities in your mind and have the desire to improve, you can easily surpass the level of ordinary talent.
Before the return, Rubin was certain because he had personally experienced it. From now on, it was up to Dorian’s will and choice.
“It’s time to start. Everyone, come inside.”
The waiting vassals followed Rubin. As he walked ahead, Rubin looked out over the fog.
I wondered. Like the vassals who followed me, would Dorian also wait? Or would he suffer the same fate as before his return?
and-
“… … .”
Dorian’s shadow appeared. He was standing there, his face determined. Just now, Dorian had twisted my own fate.
“… I will also train. Seriously, Rubin.”
“It won’t be easy.”
“I’m prepared. Please take care of me.”
Then he bows his head toward those who have passed away with the same meaning.
The attendants also bowed to Dorian once more. Dorian stroked his hair as if embarrassed.
“Kuje.”
“Yes, your highness.”
“From now on, you do it.”
The creator of this magic was Kuze. It all started in his head, where he was criticized as a dreamer by the Croquison family. He was more than qualified.
“All right.”
Kuze stepped forward and looked around at the other vassals. The faces of the vassals were so magnificent that it took Kuze’s breath away. However, he regained his confidence when he saw Rubin’s face standing right across from him.
Rubin glanced back and met Dorian’s eyes. Dorian smirked at the thought of being hit again.
‘I see why you spoke to me before starting your training. You wanted to convince me, but you also wanted to make Kuze’s teachings easier.’
Dorian suddenly wondered. What if I had achieved something like that? Would Rubin have given me a chance to be noticed too?
Dorian was lost in thought for a moment. But his thoughts were dispersed by Kuze’s voice that followed.
“The beginning is important. Release the smoke, but do not let it return to the body, the reference axis. Focus only on pure eruption. That is the essence of this ‘shadow field’… … .”
Kuze continued his explanation, and the vassals began demonstrating their shadow fields one by one.
The fog that filled the training ground gradually became thicker. It was enough to obscure even the figures of the people right next to him. Kuze moved through the fog and taught each of them in detail.
“Kuje.”
“Yes, Master Dorian.”
“Will you come here and check if I’m doing it right now?”
“Please wait a moment. I will be there shortly.”
Dorian showed his enthusiasm. He was the only newbie in the group, aside from Rubin, so he called out to Kuze the most.
But at that time.
‘Are you a mother?’
Rubin, who had left the training ranks to check on how the other vassals were doing, sensed a huge dark cloud outside the training grounds.
Thud thud.
As expected, it was Siren. Rubin bowed deeply to her as she approached.
Siren, with her arms folded, watched the training with a satisfied look in her eyes. She asked Rubin.
“It’s going well. When will it be finished?”
“Killian and Damon should be able to perform basic operations by tomorrow. Of course, they still have a long way to go before they can master it.”
“They are strong, so they will learn quickly. What about the rest?”
“I think it will take some more time.”
“Yeah, don’t worry about Lang’s assassination squad and Dorian. Damon can teach them.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Depart for the northern plains in two days.”
Rubin paused. It was expected, but it was quicker than expected. The official order from the Imperial Command had already been handed down.
“Have you decided who you will choose as your first partner?”
Siren’s red eyes turned to Rubin. It was only for a moment, but Rubin saw the curiosity contained in them. The head of the household was curious about Rubin’s choice.
“Yes, of course.”
“Who is it?”
A colleague to work with on the first task. If that was the case, then the decision had already been made from the moment the task was given.
“My first colleague was… … .”
