Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 111: LevelsTimeless AssassinC111: Levels
Chapter 111: Levels
One after another, Rodova Military Academy kept winning their matches, as the home team proved why they were ranked 2nd strongest in the entire circuit rankings.
—---
Match 2: Minerva vs. Sylva
Rodova's second fighter, Minerva, took the stage against Nature Academy's Sylva, a Dryad specializing in terrain manipulation.
At first, Sylva's abilities seemed troublesome—her power allowed her to control the arena's floor, creating vine traps and wooden barriers that restricted Minerva's movement.
However, Minerva countered this flawlessly, using her Thunder-Step
Technique to zip past Sylva's entanglements, shattering her defenses before she could even react, via a flurry of precise arrows.
*Kaboom*
*Kaboom*
The first couple arrows that she used were of the lightning nature, which while did not cause much damage to the dryad, stunned her enough to immobilize her for a couple seconds, which gave Minerva the opening to launch a couple of blast arrows, that ended the match after exploding right in front of Sylva's face.
—---
Match 3: Orion vs. Lume
Next came Orion, a battle-mage specializing in wide-range elemental attacks, against Lume, a fairy with mastery over aerial combat.
This match was a complete showcase of power versus agility.
Lume darted across the battlefield with blinding speed, launching razor-sharp wind slashes, but Orion was an immovable juggernaut—his Firestorm Barrier negated all incoming attacks, while his Meteor Crash Spell bombarded Lume with overwhelming force.
The moment Lume hesitated mid-air, Orion launched a chain lightning spell, striking him down instantly, securing Rodova's third consecutive win.
—---
Match 4: Harlan vs. Viridia
The fourth match pitted Harlan, a brute-force warrior wielding a massive war axe, against Viridia, a deadly elven archer known for her unerring precision.
At first, Viridia seemed to have the upper hand—her arrows moved like shadows, curving through the air unpredictably.
But Harlan had an iron will and an even harder body.
Instead of dodging, he charged straight through the onslaught, his Mana Armor reducing the damage to negligible levels.
As one leap, one swing and one devastating impact was all it took for him to win, as his axe cleaved through Viridia's bow, breaking her spirit along with her weapon.
As Rodova's fourth victory was secured in convincing fashion.
—------------
Seated in the stands, Leo's mind churned, as he analyzed everything he had witnessed so far.
Rodova's combatants weren't just skilled—they were monsters in their own right.
Each fighter possessed a different set of strengths, but what struck Leo the most was how far ahead they were from him in different areas.
In Pure Strength → Harlan stood unmatched, a walking fortress who could take hits without flinching and end fights in a single blow.
In Speed → Minerva was terrifying, her movements faster than even Leo's trained eyes could fully follow, as this was twice now that he had seen her in battle where even his eyes could not follow her quick motion.
In Magic Capacity → Orion overwhelmed everyone. His mana output alone was leagues beyond Leo's, capable of sustaining high-level spells with seemingly no effort.
While in Technique & Skill Usage → Ethan's strategic adaptability was something else. He won not by overpowering his enemy, but by controlling the battlefield itself.
'They're all above me in some area or the other.' Leo realized, as he clenched his fists slightly, feeling the gap between him and these fighters like an ocean between two continents.
'I'm strong, but not strong enough to dominate every aspect of the Circuits.
I can maybe take one of them at a time, if I have prepared enough, but I can't take all four of them back to back' Leo realized, as he understood that while there were aspects about his own fighting that may be superior to current circuit team members, he wasn't a complete fighter yet that could dominate everyone.
He needed to grow a lot stronger, if he wanted to be a force to be reckoned with at the circuits and just as that realization was settling in—
The final fighter of Nature Military Academy stepped forward, their captain and strongest fighter, Jahong.
Draped in sleek green and gold armor, his presence was striking. Unlike the previous fighters, who carried various weapons, he wielded only a single elven sword, its silver edge humming faintly with embedded mana runes.
His movements were poised. Disciplined. Deadly.
Jahong was not an ordinary fighter.
He was a master duelist.
But the crowd wasn't afraid.
Because stepping up to face him—
Was Yu Shen, and as he walked out, the arena exploded into deafening chants of—
YU SHEN! YU SHEN! YU SHEN!
Thousands of voices roared, shaking the coliseum as Rodova's captain strode onto the battlefield, exuding nothing but pure confidence.
Unlike his opponent, Yu Shen wasn't draped in elaborate armor.
He wasn't towering or monstrous.
He carried no overwhelming aura of destruction.
Yet—the moment he stepped into the ring, everything changed.
Leo could feel it.
The way the energy in the air shifted.
The way his opponent's confident stance faltered—even if just for a second.
Because Yu Shen wasn't just strong.
He was the strongest fighter in the entire academy.
And it showed.
—-------
The moment the referee dropped his hand, the elven captain moved.
A flash of silver—
Jahong's elven sword cut through the air, slicing toward Yu Shen's neck with impossible speed.
SHING!
A blur—then the clash of steel.
Yu Shen had blocked it.
Not dodged. Blocked.
His twin swords crossed in an effortless parry, intercepting the strike with surgical precision, as the elf's eyes narrowed.
He immediately pivoted, twisting his blade into a seamless follow-up—his movements fluid as—
SHING!
CLANG!
SHING! SHING! SHING!
Blades flashed at speeds incomprehensible to the naked eye, sparks flying with every exchange.
But Yu Shen wasn't just keeping up—he was dictating the fight.
Leo watched in awe.
Unlike Minerva's pure speed, or Orion's overwhelming magic, Yu Shen's strength lay in something else entirely—
Absolute control.
Every strike was met before it could even reach full extension.
Every counter was delivered at the perfect angle to disrupt the elf's footing.
The Nature Academy captain was no ordinary swordsman—his technique was polished, his mana-infused footwork impeccable.
Yet somehow—
Yu Shen made him look slow.
SHING!
A sudden flick of Yu Shen's blade sent the elf's sword reeling to the side—
An opening.
But Yu Shen didn't take it.
Instead, he let the elf recover.
Leo's brow furrowed.
'He's… testing him?'
The crowd held its breath as Jahong steadied himself, his grip tightening around his sword.
And then—he lunged again.
This time, his attacks were wildly unpredictable, his swordplay turning erratic.
A last-ditch attempt to overwhelm Yu Shen with sheer ferocity.
Leo tensed.
Would it work?
But then—
Yu Shen dropped his swords.
Leo's breath caught.
For a moment, it seemed like an opening—like Yu Shen had made a mistake—
But then Yu Shen stepped forward, his bare hands moving in an instant—
PAH!
His palm struck the elf's sword mid-swing, knocking the silver blade off-course.
PAH!
His elbow collided with the elf's ribs, forcing air from his lungs.
Then—
BOOM!
A single spinning kick SENT THE ELF FLYING across the arena—CRASHING into the opposite wall.
Silence.
Then—
DEAFENING CHEERS.
Yu Shen hadn't just won.
He had dominated.
The elf tried to rise—his fingers clawing at the ground—but his body refused to move.
It was over.
Rodova had secured a clean sweep—5-0.
—-------------
Sitting in the stands, Leo watched as Yu Shen picked up his swords again, completely unbothered, completely untouchable.
And in that moment, Leo realized something:
'This isn't just about strength, speed, or magic.'
Yu Shen was none of those things in excess.
He wasn't the strongest.
He wasn't the fastest.
He wasn't the most magically gifted.
But—
He was the most complete fighter.
And that—was the level Leo needed to reach.
For the first time since entering Rodova—
Leo finally understood what true dominance in the Circuits looked like.
Contact - ToS
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 112: A war callTimeless AssassinC112: A war call
Chapter 112: A war call
As the final match concluded, the victorious Rodova Military Team reveled in their win, celebrating in front of the roaring home crowd. Meanwhile, the injured fighters from the Nature Military Academy were swiftly escorted off the field for medical treatment.
"Well… like him or not, you have to admit—Yu Shen is a damn monster in the ring," Su Yang muttered, stretching as he stood from his seat.
Leo stood up as well, his expression unreadable. "Yeah? Well, I still plan on kicking his ass before he graduates… at least once."
Su Yang scoffed, shaking his head. "Good luck with that."
They had just started making their way toward the exit when, unexpectedly, a familiar voice rang out from the arena floor.
"SKYSHARD! YANG! Come join the team in the dressing room—we have something to discuss," Yu Shen called out, his voice carrying effortlessly through the lingering buzz of the stadium.
Leo froze mid-step.
'Did Yu Shen just—call us over?'
His brow furrowed slightly as he turned, finding the Circuit Captain looking directly at him, waving them down with a casual yet expectant expression.
Su Yang grinned, patting Leo's shoulder.
"When the devil summons, you go–" he said, as letting out a slow sigh, Leo nodded, still somewhat puzzled by the sudden invitation.
However, curious to find out why exactly they had been invited to a team only meeting, Leo and Su Yang did respond to Yu Shen's call, following him into the changing rooms.
—-----------
(Rodova Military Academy, Circuit Team Changing Rooms)
The atmosphere inside the Circuit Team Changing Room was absolutely electric following their dominant victory over the Nature Military Academy.
Laughter, cheers, and the clinking of potion bottles filled the space as the team reveled in their near-perfect performance.
At the center of it all, Major Hen stood with a proud smile, his arms crossed as he overlooked the team. Despite his satisfaction, his voice remained firm as he broke down each fight, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly from every round.
"The Nature Military Academy is ranked 16th in the Universal Circuit Rankings," Hen began, his gaze sweeping over the fighters.
"They're no powerhouse, so this win was expected of you."
The rowdy atmosphere settled slightly at his words, his tone serving as a reminder not to get too comfortable.
"That being said—coming out of this bout without a single team member sustaining major injuries is a damn good sign. It speaks volumes about how strong the Rodova Circuits Team is this year."
At that, the team erupted into cheers once more, clashing potion bottles together in celebration, spilling hydration drinks across the floor in their excitement.
Seated off to the side, Leo and Su Yang remained quiet, watching the scene unfold.
They had been invited to this meeting—yet so far, no one had acknowledged them directly.
And though they felt out of place, something about the energy in the room—the camaraderie, the sense of belonging—struck a chord within them.
A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at their lips, as someday, they definitely wanted to be a part of this.
*Clap*
*Clap*
"Alright," Yu Shen's voice rang out, cutting through the noise.
The moment he spoke, the team settled down, all eyes shifting toward their captain as he stepped forward, taking center stage.
"Since Major Hen is done with his speech, let me take over."
His tone was serious—more serious than usual.
"I have a very important announcement to make. Not just for the team, but for the two observers in the room as well."
Leo and Su Yang exchanged a glance, as Yu Shen's gaze swept across the team before landing on them, his expression unreadable.
"Because what I'm about to say will determine everything. Whether we can achieve the goal I'm about to set… will decide whether we become Circuits Champions this year or not."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Everyone listened.
And Leo sat up just a little straighter—knowing that whatever Yu Shen was about to say next was definitely important.
"Good strategy is crucial in the Circuits.
I think by now, all of us understand that." Yu Shen began, his voice carrying the weight of experience as the team members nodded in acknowledgment.
"The type of opponent you face, the tactics you use—these factors can often decide the difference between victory and defeat.
However—" he raised a single finger, his expression sharpening.
"That only applies when the power difference between two fighters is negligible."
His words sank in, a quiet realization settling over the room.
"Today, I showed you the difference between a 'Grandmaster' and a 'Master.'
He let that statement hang in the air before continuing.
"In my fight against the Nature Academy captain—
Even without my weapon.
Even when I let him recover and attack at full strength.
Even when I toyed with him…
He still couldn't land a hit on me."
A few of the team members cheered instinctively—only to fall silent when Yu Shen's sharp gaze cut through them.
His next words were heavier, laced with unmistakable urgency.
"Right now, I am the only Rodova fighter who has reached the 'Grandmaster' realm.
And that… is simply not enough."
His eyes flickered toward Leo and Su Yang for a brief moment before sweeping across the rest of the team.
"Last year, Geneva Military Academy had seven Grandmasters in their ranks."
A hush fell over the room.
"If my estimations are correct, they'll have at least five to seven Grandmasters this year as well."
He let that sink in before his voice hardened.
"And let me be very clear—
It won't matter how well you strategize against a Grandmaster… if you're still a Master yourself."
The weight of his words pressed into every team member present.
"That's why I'm telling you all, right here, right now—
If you want to win the Circuits, if you want to stand a chance at fighting Geneva, you MUST start pushing toward the next realm.
No more complacency. No more comfort. No more thinking 'Master' is enough."
He exhaled, his gaze sweeping across the room, his next words carrying a quiet warning.
"Today, you're celebrating. You're happy. But I promise you—
If you don't push yourselves beyond this level, then when the Circuits arrive…
Because at the circuits, it won't be Nature Academy getting their asses kicked.
It will be YOU.
It will be YOU who will be the butt off the joke, and on that day, the humiliation you will feel will become a scar you can't forget for a lifetime—" Yu Shen said, as he pointed towards each individual team member.
"We are all seniors here except the two kids.
And for us there is no redemption if we lose this year.
For us there is no second chance. So if we get our ass kicked by some opponent, it's going to be a regret we might carry till our graves—" Yu Shen said, as his voice softened and started to convey real pain.
"Year after year after year. Rodova Military Academy has dreamed of the day where we regain the top-spot in the circuit's and defeat Geneva.
And year after year, our dreams and hopes get crushed.
Well I say no more!
I SAY WE DEFEAT THEM THIS YEAR, AND TO DO THAT, I NEED ALL TEN MEMBERS OF THIS TEAM TO BE FUCKING GRANDMASTERS" Yu Shen screamed as he seemed ready to pop a neck vein.
"LISTEN TO ME TODAY, AND LISTEN WELL—"
Yu Shen's voice thundered through the room, raw authority laced in every word.
"I'VE LOST MY DAMN SANITY FOR THIS YEAR'S CIRCUITS—AND I WILL NOT TOLERATE DEFEAT!"
His glare swept across the team, his presence like a storm ready to consume anyone not strong enough to weather it.
"IT WILL EITHER BE YOU SENIORS WHO BREAK INTO THE GRANDMASTER REALM AND KEEP YOUR PLACE IN THIS TEAM—"
His hand shot out, fingers pointed like a blade toward Leo and Su Yang.
"OR THESE TWO MONARCH-LEVEL JUNIORS WILL REACH IT FIRST AND REPLACE YOU!"
A suffocating silence followed.
Then, with a sharp exhale, Yu Shen turned his focus solely to Leo and Su Yang.
"You heard me. Want in? Then reach Grandmaster before selection season—do that, and I'll take you in. No trials. No questions."
The challenge wasn't up for debate. It wasn't an offer.
It was a declaration.
Leo and Su Yang didn't respond—not because they doubted themselves, but because in that moment, the sheer weight of Yu Shen's words sank in like a call to war.
From the sidelines, Major Hen watched with an approving smirk.
'Well played, boy… well played.'
The Circuit Captain knew exactly what he was doing.
This wasn't just about pushing the seniors—it was a calculated move to pit them against the rising juniors in a race to the Grandmaster realm. A competition where everyone would come out stronger.
Despite the whispers that Yu Shen wanted Leo and Su Yang off his team, Hen knew the truth.
Yu Shen had been tracking their progress for weeks, keeping tabs on their improvements through their supervisors.
And now, having seen enough—he had strategically brought them here today to set this challenge in motion.
'With a captain like him… maybe, just maybe—this is the year Rodova finally dethrones Geneva.' Hen thought as his smirk widened.
As for the first time in years, he believed it might actually be possible for Rodova to finally lift the circuits cup.
Tomorrow is Sunday.
I'll be only uploading a single chapter tomorrow to rest and recuperate, as informed prior.
Contact - ToS
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 113: ResolveTimeless AssassinC113: Resolve
Chapter 113: Resolve
(Rodova Military Academy – Post Yu Shen's Speech)
After listening to Yu Shen's speech in the Rodova Circuits Changing Room, Leo made a decision.
He was going to reach the Grandmaster Realm in the next five months.
No matter how impossible it seemed. No matter how insane the task was. He was going to do it.
But the moment he started researching what it would take, reality hit him like a freight train.
The path to Grandmaster wasn't just difficult—it was brutal. A warrior had to refine their body to its absolute peak, pushing their muscles, endurance, and reflexes to the extreme.
Their body's mana absorption capacity needed to be expanded beyond its natural limits, concentrated and tempered to withstand the strain of a Grandmaster breakthrough, and their mind had to be sharpened to a razor's edge, fortified against the mental stress of advancement.
And as if that wasn't enough, the final requirement was the most daunting of all.
To qualify for the breakthrough, a warrior had to push FIVE Legendary-tier skills to Perfection.
The roadmap to skill mastery went like this.
Basic—>Intermediate —-> Advanced—-> Perfect.
And after spending countless hours in the library, researching his current skill-moves and what grade of mastery they were at, Leo was thrilled when he realized that several of his skills were already (Legendary) grade and at (Advanced) skill mastery, just one step away from perfection.
He found this out, because the activation timings he required to conjure these skills, were clearly noted within the library books as timings achieved when one was at the (Advanced) mastery stage.
However, while the list looked promising at first glance, there were some major issues with it, as his current skill set looked like—
(Vanish) (Legendary) (Advanced)
(The Kill Strike) (Legendary) (Advanced)
(Mirror World) (Legendary) (Advanced)
(Shadow Bind) (Legendary) (Advanced)
(Blade Switch) (Semi-Divine) (Basic)
(Full Counter) (Semi-Divine) (Advanced)
(Absolute Vision) (Divine) (Intermediate)
(Parallel Processing) (?????) (?????)
(Monarch's Indifference) (?????) (Passive)
(Faster Regeneration) (?????) (Passive)
(Dark Blade) (?????) (?????)
His foundational combat techniques were all Legendary-ranked, with the exception of [Full Counter], which was Semi-Divine.
And his mastery levels were consistent—Advanced across the board, except for [Absolute Vision], which was still at Intermediate.
However, as he stared at the list, something about it didn't sit right.
At first, he couldn't quite place the issue. Then, as his mind replayed the battle against Khyaal and the realization struck like a blade to the chest.
Most of his skills just weren't good enough to be kept around long term, as they weren't just unfinished—they were simply insufficient.
[Vanish] had been rendered completely useless by skills like [Full Vision], making it pointless to invest in any further, as any opponent he faced in the future who had even the most basic of perception skills, would always see through it with ease.
[Mirror World] also shared the same flaws, and after it having been countered by Khyaal instantly, Leo no longer felt keen on improving it anymore.
Contrary to both of them, [Shadow Bind] was actually a decent skill but had stronger variants available in the Academy's archives, making it a waste to refine.
And [Kill Strike], while deadly, was designed for assassinations, and in the Circuits, where kill shots were banned, it was practically worthless.
This meant that, only [Full Counter] was the sole skill Leo found worth improving, as its ability to reflect attacks had given him an edge in battle, making it the only technique truly worth pushing to Perfection.
But perfecting one skill wasn't enough for him to become Grandmaster, as he still needed four more.
For a moment, frustration threatened to surface. If his existing techniques weren't worth perfecting, then what the hell was he supposed to do?
As the fastest way to becoming Grandmaster was obviously pushing his (Advanced) mastery techniques to (Perfection), however, Leo knew that if he did do that, he would regret it massively in the future.
His ultimate goal was definitely not just the circuits, as he was aiming for skies much higher and if that was the case, then he had to start from scratch, no matter how insane that choice seemed.
If his old skills weren't good enough, then he had to abandon them, as instead of trying to perfect techniques that had already disappointed him, he had to invest in abilities that would actually push him forward.
'I know it will be harder, but for my second skill to perfect, [Absolute Vision] is a much better choice' Leo thought, as he decided to Perfect 'Absolute Vision' as his second choice.
Unlike [Vanish], this technique wasn't something his enemies could just counter with the right skill. It completely eliminated blind spots, making it invaluable in battle, and hence a skill that would be worth perfecting in the long run for sure.
Sure, it would be harder for him to push a technique that was at (Intermediate) mastery than (Advanced) mastery to perfection, however, he was convinced that it would all pay out in the long run.
Finally, for his third pick, Leo chose to invest in [Parallel Processing], as while it was a skill whose rank he still didn't know, it was undoubtedly a skill that had already proven its worth.
If he could refine it to Perfection, his ability to analyze and react in combat would reach inhuman levels, and hence Leo felt confident in choosing to invest in it.
Which ultimately left him with two open slots.
His first instinct was to count [Dark Blade], but after a moment of hesitation, he dismissed the thought.
That skill was his trump card, and until he understood its true nature, and the threats it could bring by revealing it, he was going to keep it hidden.
Which meant that he still needed to learn two more skills from scratch, to meet the quota.
'Holy shit. I'm fucked—' Leo realized, as it was only then that the sheer scale of what he was attempting settled in.
Five months. That was all the time he had to master three skills, learn two entirely new ones, while also pushing his body to its physical peak, expanding his mana reserves, and sharpening his mind enough to withstand the breakthrough.
Most warriors took years to become Grandmasters, yet Leo was attempting to do it in less than half a year, as for the first time since making his decision, a flicker of doubt crept into his mind.
The doubt wasn't about his ability to succeed as he knew he would reach Grandmaster eventually.
But rather it was about the time.
Could he realistically achieve all this in just five months?
There were no shortcuts here. No tricks. No clever workarounds.
Either he reached the threshold, or he didn't.
And if he failed?
Then no amount of ambition would save him, as even the weakest Grandmaster with weak skills was definitely stronger than the strongest Master with excellent ones.
*Sigh*
Leo exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
He was probably going to burn himself out, pushing his body to its absolute limit, walking the edge of collapse every single day. But that was the price he was willing to pay to set-up the correct foundation.
"Ha— hahahaha" he chuckled, as a slow grin crept onto his lips, not of excitement, but of something far more dangerous—resolve.
There was no safe route for him. He had already made up his mind. From this moment forward, every second of his day would be dedicated to meditation, training, refining his mana control, completing classwork, and improving skill mastery.
Every wasted moment was an opportunity lost, and he wasn't about to let his potential slip through his fingers.
There would be no unnecessary distractions. No pointless socializing. No idle conversations, no loitering after class, no wasted meals or indulgent showers.
As every second of his time would be optimized toward a singular goal—- which was becoming Grandmaster!
If the price of power was burning himself down to nothing mentally and physically, then Leo was willing to pay it.
As if he succeeded, he would become a powerful Grandmaster, but even if he failed, at worst he would suffer a physical and mental breakdown, but he would still be closer to Grandmaster than if he took things slow.
Which was still a big win in his books.
Giving a shoutout to a newbie just starting out in the MMORPG genre.
Do check him out if you want to---
Contact - ToS
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 114: Self-AssessmentTimeless AssassinC114: Self-Assessment
Chapter 114: Self-Assessment
/// A/N - Chapter 113 has been redone completely, after it had some major flaws, please re-read it, because I've corrected some major mistakes. ///.
—------
(One Week Later, Rodova Military Academy – Practical Combat Class)
In the week following Rodova's dominant performance against the Nature Academy, the atmosphere within the military academy shifted significantly.
Watching the Circuits Team in action firsthand had ignited a fire within the first-year students, pushing them to approach combat with a newfound emphasis on strategy rather than just raw strength.
Gone were the days of mindless brawling, as students began to analyze their fights before engaging, carefully considering their matchups and adapting their tactics accordingly.
By now, nearly everyone in the class had faced off against one another multiple times, giving them a solid understanding of their peers' strengths and weaknesses. This, in turn, made their battles far more intricate and unpredictable, as students tried to outmaneuver one another rather than relying purely on brute force.
However—despite this surge in competitiveness, the dominance of Su Yang, Mu Shen, and Leo remained untouched.
While the rest of the class had grown noticeably stronger and their matchups had become more engaging, the trio continued to stand leagues above their peers, their superiority undisputed.
'It's getting easier and easier to fight within this class…' Leo thought, his fingers flexing as he sidestepped yet another incoming attack with casual ease.
'It's almost like… I don't even feel pressured by any of them except for when I face Mu Shen or Su Yang.'
A faint flicker of disappointment crossed his mind as he realized just how much the gap between him and his classmates had widened.
Ever since he had fully grasped the Complete Marrow Meditation Manual and begun meditating six hours a day without interruption, his body had started undergoing drastic changes.
His blood cells were rapidly replacing themselves, refining his physique to an entirely new level—one that placed him beyond the reach of his peers.
And to top it off, just a couple days ago—
He had received his second dose of the Genetic Awakening Serum alongside the rest of the class and the effects had been immediate.
His height had increased by another inch, his muscle density and bone structure had reinforced even further, and his body felt stronger than ever.
Unfortunately, unlike his first awakening, he hadn't unlocked any new skill moves this time.
But he had expected that.
It was common knowledge that the second shot was not as effective as the first one when it came to unlocking the body's hidden genetic potential, and from the second shot onwards, one could only expect a skill unlock to happen once in a blue moon.
But, although his abilities hadn't expanded, his raw stats had skyrocketed after the second shot.
And with the increasing gap between him and the rest of the class, Leo couldn't help but wonder—
Would the Practical Combat Class ever be a real challenge for him again?
'I wanted to go select a couple skill moves from the Academy Archive to learn today, however, it's hard to make a choice without understanding what exactly it is that I lack the most?
I know that I don't have any good defensive maneuvers on me, however, there are a thousand different types of defensive maneuvers…. The question is, which one do I need the most?' Leo thought disappointedly, as he had hoped to find the answers to his questions after facing a few tough fights, however, the peers in his class were simply not strong enough for him to feel the heat.
"Umm… Excuse me Major Hen—" Leo called out, after knocking his opponent out by giving him a chop to the neck, as from the far corner, Hen raised his eyebrow at the unexpected call.
"What is it, Skyshard?" He asked, as Leo shamelessly looked into his eyes, a serious expression on his face.
"Can you fight me next? I want to go a few rounds with you, if that's okay—" Leo said, as shockingly, the entire class fell momentarily silent, listening to his words.
The sound of metal clashing rolled to a pause, as for a moment, everyone awaited Hen's reply with bated breaths.
"Yo, did Skyshard really ask an instructor to be his sparring partner?"
"Is he suicidal or what? Major Hen is a Grandmaster! And a pretty strong one at that—"
"Skyshard is going to get his ass kicked today!"
The students around Leo whispered, however, Leo was not affected by their chatter even slightly.
Thankfully, due to [Monarch's Indifference], Leo was no longer affected by the opinion of the crowd around him.
As once he determined that something was important for his growth, he did not care what others thought about it, and pursued it regardless.
"Well sure, it's been a while since I've stretched my muscles…. So why not?" Hen replied, as he began rotating his shoulders, flexing his body as he prepared for his fight against Leo.
"Alright, Skyshard, let's see what you've got," Hen said as he took his starting spot within the sparring ring, planting his feet firmly on the ground.
"If you make me move a single step, backwards or forwards, it's your win–" Hen said, as listening to that declaration, Leo felt a lot more confident about his odds to win.
Taking a slow breath, Leo tried to think of the best strategy to attack his opponent, and after thinking about it for a while, he realized that if he did not attack Hen with a genuine intent to kill him, then he would most likely be swatted like a fly.
Hence, deciding to go in for the kill from the start, Leo coiled his muscles and decided to charge at full speed, once the battle began.
"Begin—" said the referee officiating the spar, as immediately—
Boom!
Leo shot forward, wasting no time, as he closed in the gap between himself and Hen in an instant.
"Take this—" he muttered, as he executed (The Kill Strike)—a textbook-perfect, high-speed thrust aimed straight for Hen's ribs.
But Hen didn't move.
He simply shifted his weight slightly.
And then—
WHAM!
Leo barely registered what had happened before an iron-like forearm slammed into his stomach.
His vision blurred. His breath escaped him.
His feet left the ground.
And then—CRASH!
Leo's body slammed against the floor, skidding back several meters.
What just…?
Leo coughed, his arms trembling as he pushed himself back up. He had never felt such raw impact before—Hen's strike had been devastating, and yet, it was clear that he had held back enough to avoid breaking bones.
Hen let out a short breath, shaking his head. "Too direct," he said, voice calm but firm. "That speed is good against fighters at your level, but not against me. Charging in recklessly only makes my job easier."
Leo clenched his fists, absorbing the lesson as he staggered back to his feet.
"Again," Hen said, stepping back to allow Leo to reset.
Leo narrowed his eyes. If charging in recklessly wouldn't work, then…
This time, instead of rushing straight in, he circled Hen, analyzing his stance. He activated (Vanish), flickering in and out of visibility, trying to confuse his opponent as he darted from angle to angle.
And then—
He struck from Hen's blind spot.
Leo's blade swung down—fast. Precise. Perfect.
But—
WHAM!
Leo felt his world spin as a heavy kick crashed against his side, sending him flying once again.
This time, he managed to land on his feet—barely—but the force still knocked him off balance.
"Better," Hen admitted, rolling his shoulders. "But you're too predictable. Your ability to vanish is impressive, but it's meaningless if you still follow basic attack patterns. Try again."
Leo's breathing was heavy now, but his mind was racing.
Think. Analyze. Adapt.
Hen was a wall. A moving fortress. His attacks weren't just strong—they were calculated. He wasn't just reacting to Leo's movements; he was dictating the pace of the fight.
Leo had never fought someone like this before.
But that didn't mean he couldn't learn.
This was exactly the kind of pressure that he needed if he wanted to understand just where he was lacking as a warrior, and hence, even though he was being humiliated, Leo enjoyed every second of this lesson.
Contact - ToS
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 115: Understanding His WeaknessTimeless AssassinC115: Understanding His Weakness
Chapter 115: Understanding His Weakness
Over the next ten minutes, Leo was pushed back by Hen seven times, as whenever he tried to charge, the Major simply dismantled his approach with frightening ease.
It didn't matter how fast he was. It didn't matter how precise his movements were.
Hen was simply on a different level.
Leo had tried everything in his arsenal—each time adjusting, adapting, tweaking his approach.
But it always ended the same way.
The moment he stepped into Hen's range, he was either struck down with a devastating counter or deflected like a ragdoll, unable to land even a single clean hit.
—---
The Eighth Attempt :-
This time, Leo activated (Mirror World), splitting into two perfect illusionary clones as he closed in from different angles, forcing Hen to divide his attention.
With his real body concealed among the three, Leo aimed to bait an opening—waiting for Hen to strike at the wrong clone before launching his actual attack.
In what seemed like a solid plan in his head.
But unfortunately for him, Hen did not fall for it.
Instead, the Major exhaled slightly and moved with absolute precision.
WHAM!
A single devastating palm strike shattered all three versions of Leo in an instant, revealing the real one in the process.
And before Leo could react—
BOOM!
Hen's elbow slammed into his shoulder, sending him tumbling across the training ground once more, as Leo coughed, struggling to get up as he felt a deep ache radiating through his entire body.
*Crack*
*Crack*
Hen cracked his knuckles, shaking his head.
"I thought you would've learned not to rely on this move too much after your fight with Khyaal," he said, his tone carrying mild disappointment. "Illusions of this level don't work on Grandmasters. You're using them like parlor tricks instead of real weapons."
Leo wiped the blood from his lip, breathing heavily.
Hen's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued.
"Be more creative, Skyshard. There's more than one way to use illusions that overwhelm the senses.
Layer the illusions you have on you, and maybe you can achieve the desired effect—" Hen advised, as a flicker of understanding clicked in Leo's mind.
Hen wasn't rejecting the use of illusions.
He was challenging him to use them differently.
And come up with a new approach.
—---
The Ninth Attempt :-
On his ninth attempt, Leo took a deep breath, this time layering his deception into something far more complex.
Rather than simply creating clones, he combined (Vanish) with (Mirror World) with (Blade Switch).
A multi-layered assault, which unfolded in layers.
Flicker.
Leo disappeared from sight—his presence vanishing completely.
Simultaneously, two illusionary clones manifested in different directions, each mimicking his attack posture.
And then—
CRACK!
Leo activated (Blade Switch), instantly swapping places with one of his clones at the last possible moment, while also creating more clones using (Mirror World) that Vanished in and out of perception, to momentarily overload Hen's senses.
As this time, even Hen hesitated for the briefest of seconds.
It was the slightest falter—an instinctive response to a sensory overload—his perception momentarily swamped with conflicting signals.
And making the most of it Leo struck.
A well-aimed palm strike, infused with every ounce of his strength, slammed into Hen's ribs.
BOOM!
It wasn't nearly enough to do damage.
But Hen actually moved—his foot shifting half a step backward.
As for the first time since the spar began, the entire class collectively held their breath.
"Well, well…" Hen mused. "That's more like it."
He rolled his shoulders, his stance resetting.
"But you're still far from good enough."
And with that, he vanished.
Leo barely had time to react, before a crushing impact slammed into his chest, sending him rocketing backward once again.
His body tumbled across the training ground before he finally managed to stop himself, gasping for air.
His ribs ached, his vision spun.
But this time—
He smiled.
Because for the first time in this fight, he had actually forced Hen to react.
And that, in itself, was a minor victory.
"Again—" Hen roared, as finally, he began to take this sparring session with Leo with slight seriousness, versus the complete nonchalance that he had before.
—-----------
(Two hours later)
Two hours later, as the Practical Combat Class ended, Leo had to be immediately rushed to the infirmary, as he had seven ribs and four limb bones broken.
For two hours, he weathered the beating at the hands of Major Hen, trying out all his skill-moves in different combinations, until in the end, his body gave out because of the myriad different injuries that it sustained.
"Fuck, it hurts—" Leo cursed, as the healers worked on him to mend his bones, however, although his body hurt bad, his mind was in a state of joy.
'I was definitely right in my decision to not progress any of my existing core skills except [Full Counter] as apart from it, the others are simply not functional enough—' Leo thought, as after facing Hen, he no longer had any lingering doubts about the need to overhaul his skill-set.
However, the question remained on what exactly was it that he needed?
'I don't need a skill that can block all-out magical attacks.
My natural speed is very high, and if there's a chance that I can dodge an incoming attack, it's always better to dodge than to block–' Leo thought, as he grit his teeth in pain, while the nurse popped his broken bones back in place to mend them.
'This means, I don't need skills like Mana Wall, or Water Wall, or any types of defensive block walls, meant to stop attacks coming from one direction.
What I need instead is a defensive skill that can help protect me from instantaneous damage from attacks I have no chance at dodging.
Something that deploys faster than the time it takes me to dodge, and that can cover my full body—' Leo realized, as he analyzed exactly what he needed for now.
'And for my second skill. What I need is an attack move that pairs well with [Blade Switch] and is not lethal like [Kill Strike].
Something that overwhelms the opponent from all sides at once, ripping apart their defences through relentless pressure—' Leo thought, as he started to visualise the move that he needed.
'I need something akin to 100 sword slash, or something similar, that can leave a 100 or more gashes on my opponents body, instantaneously–' Leo concluced, as after thinking about his current move-set a lot, he realized that his natural speed, coupled with [Blade Switch] already gave him all the mobility he needed, but what he lacked was pure attack and defence options.
To solve this, he could now head to the Academy Archives and select the best moves that fulfilled his set criteria, after which he could start working on mastering them, by including them in his daily-training.
So far, for the past week, he had been singularly focused on pushing [Absolute Vision] from (Intermediate) mastery to —-> (Advanced) mastery grade, however, with him feeling like he was close to that goal, he decided to pick up more options today, so that the moment he hit that target, he could get started on mastering a new skill, without wasting any time.
Contact - ToS
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 116: Skill SelectionTimeless AssassinC116: Skill Selection
Chapter 116: Skill Selection
At Rodova Military Academy, the level of skills a student could access depended entirely on their evaluated talent grade.
This distinction was made not because the university held a bias against any of its students, but because, it was simply impossible for Grandmaster level talents to learn skill moves rated higher than 'Legendary', unless their sole purpose was to memorize the contents of the skill scrolls, and replicate them for sale on the open market.
However, to discourage and prevent such practices, Grandmaster-level talents were restricted to selecting (Legendary) skills from the academy's archives, while Transcendent-level talents could access (Semi-Divine) ranked skills at best.
However, Leo had no such limitations.
As a Monarch-level talent, he had unrestricted access to the academy's entire skill archive, including the rare (Divine) ranked skills— accessing whom was a rare opportunity that only a handful of students in Rodova's history had ever received.
And although the number of (Divine) ranked skills in the archive was limited, their monetary value was undoubtedly immeasurable.
In the open market, acquiring a (Divine) skill was next to impossible—even for those with billions of MP to spend, as the majority of the Great Clans monopolized these skills, preventing their leakage to the open markets and preserving them for their lineage alone.
Only the universal government, and academies affiliated with the universal government were an exception to this norm, which was why Rodova was one of the rare universities where students could even access such skills without paying any additional costs.
This meant that for Leo, the academy wasn't just a place for training—it was a goldmine of irreplaceable resources, and he intended to make full use of it.
—----------
(Rodova Military Academy, The Skill Scroll and Meditation Manual Archives)
Leo was escorted into the Archives by a Genetic Testing Lab assistant, just like his first time here when he was selecting a meditation manual.
"All students are allowed to choose 4 skill scrolls in an academic year. So remember, you can pick at-most of 4 scrolls now, since it shows that you have not selected any yet—" The assistant informed Leo, as Leo nodded in acknowledgement.
"Very well, can you show me the list of defensive and offensive skills that you have, and filter out skills similar to 'Magic Wall' and 'Single Strike'.
I'm looking for Chain-Hit Offence, and Full Body Defence moves, no lower than (Semi-Divine) in grade" Leo requested, as the assistant quickly began tapping on his data slate, applying the necessary filters before passing the data slate onto Leo.
"Here–" he said, handing over a list of 3 defensive and 4 offensive moves, which fit his criteria.
Leo scanned the data slate, his eyes narrowing as he read through the carefully filtered list of skill techniques.
Each one fit his criteria, as it was either a Full-Body Defensive Move or a Chain-Hit Offensive Move, and all were of at least (Semi-Divine) grade.
—--------
Defensive Skills:
1. [Titan's Aegis] (Semi-Divine)
A skill developed by the Titan species, granting the user a temporary armor of condensed mana that exponentially amplifies durability. While active, damage taken is reduced by 70%, but movement speed is significantly hindered.
CAUTION :- The user must remain rooted for at least 0.5 seconds for full activation.
2. [Void Shell] (Semi-Divine)
A passive mana-layering technique that automatically activates upon the user's mind sensing imminent lethal damage, creating a temporary null-space barrier around the user.
The barrier lasts for 1.5 seconds, absorbing all impact before dissipating. However, it has a 15-second cooldown, meaning it cannot be relied upon continuously in extended battles.
3. [Celestial Veil] (Divine)
A full-body defensive move that envelops the user in a veil of ethereal mana, rendering them impervious to both physical and magical attacks for exactly 1.2 seconds upon activation.
Using this skill does not restrict movement and allows the user to seamlessly counterattack while being protected.
However, its biggest limitation lies in its extreme mana consumption—activating it even once requires 25% of total mana reserves at (Basic) proficiency and 5% of the reserve at (Perfect) proficiency, making it a pain to master.
—-----------
Leo's eyes lingered on Celestial Veil longer than the rest. It was undoubtedly the best option, but its mana cost was a serious drawback.
If Leo was not in the Rodova Military Academy where he had access to a near infinite supply of Mana Potion bottles, he could probably never realistically choose to master such a move, however, within the academy it was definitely possible.
The flexibility it provided over the other moves was undeniable, as he could move freely while using it, which made it far more versatile than Titan's Aegis, and unlike Void Shell, it had no cooldown.
When his mastery of the skill inevitably improved, he could reduce its cost of activation, making it a perfect long-term investment.
—-----------
Offensive Skills:
1. [Hidden Fang] (Semi-Divine)
A rapid slashing technique that allows the user to unleash ten consecutive strikes in less than 2 seconds. Each strike increases in speed, and if all land successfully, the final strike deals 200% more damage. However, the strikes must be executed perfectly—missing even one resets the chain.
2. [Howling Blades] (Semi-Divine)
A close-range technique that sends out bladed shockwaves with every swing, creating a zone of death around the user. Effective against multiple opponents but requires significant stamina, as each swing drains a small percentage of the user's strength.
3. [Thousand Phantom Strikes] (Divine)
A god-tier multiplication technique created by the Eternal Sovereign Kaelith which creates an illusionary effect where every single attack appears to land multiple times at once.
Unlike Hidden Fang, this skill does not require the user to physically execute a thousand slashes—it layers afterimages over real strikes, overwhelming the enemy's senses, and making it impossible to detect where the real attack is coming from.
The effectiveness depends on the user's speed and mana control, as with proper mastery, this move could allow the user to cut an opponent apart from all angles without them even realizing they were being struck.
4. [Death Crescent] (Semi-Divine)
A chain-slash technique that generates crescent-shaped energy blades with each consecutive attack. Instead of relying purely on speed, this skill allows the user to attack from multiple angles simultaneously, as every slash leaves behind a residual energy blade that continues the assault.
Each crescent blade homes in on the target, forcing the opponent into a defensive stance, while the user can reposition freely to exploit openings. The technique can be extended into a crescendo of slashes, with the final strike unleashing a storm of delayed crescent blades that descend all at once for a finishing blow.
This skill is ideal for pressuring defensive opponents, overwhelming them with relentless ranged and close-quarters attacks while maintaining strategic movement.
—---------
Leo tapped his finger against the screen, deep in thought.
For defense, Celestial Veil was the best long-term option. The mana cost was steep, but with training, he could optimize mana efficiency to mitigate it.
For offense, Thousand Phantom Strikes was in a league of its own. Unlike the others, it didn't just increase the number of attacks—it created sensory overload, a technique that he could already integrate into his fighting style.
If he combined it with Blade Switch, he could create something even Hen would struggle to read, and hence for that reason alone, although he also liked [Death Crescent], Leo decided to go with [Thousand Phantom Strikes] as his final choice.
With his decision made, Leo turned to the assistant.
"These two," he said, his voice firm as he presented his choices.
The assistant raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised but saying nothing as he processed the selection.
"You have exhausted two of the four skill moves you can learn this year," the assistant informed, as Leo nodded.
"Both of them are Divine-rank, which means you'll be required to sign a formal soul-binding non-disclosure contract which prevents you from passing these skills down to your future disciples or colleagues, in-case you ever decide to do so.
Once that's done, you'll receive a memory crystal containing the skill techniques." The assistant informed, as Leo nodded yet again.
He had no intention of passing these moves down to anyone, and hence he did not care about signing any contracts.
There will be two more chapters updated tonight after a few hours.
Contact - ToS
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 117: High StakesTimeless AssassinC117: High Stakes
Chapter 117: High Stakes
(Rodova Military Academy – Principal Alric's Office)
The atmosphere inside Principal Alric's office was thick with tension.
Standing before him with their heads lowered were Professor Marvin and Major Hen, both receiving a well-earned scolding.
Alric was far from pleased with how the two were structuring the training regimen for Leo Skyshard and Su Yang—and today, he was making his dissatisfaction crystal clear.
"Skyshard had to seek YOU out, Hen, just to find a challenge in sparring."
His voice was sharp, laced with irritation as he slammed a data slate onto his desk, shattering it into pieces.
"His own class is so far behind him that he doesn't even see them as competition, yet you continue letting him fight those weaker opponents day in and day out? How is he supposed to grow like that?" Alric asked, as he grit his teeth before looking towards Marvin.
"And you, Marvin—explain to me why these boys haven't failed your training regimen ONCE in the last thirty days?" Alric asked, leaning forward, as he placed his fists onto the desk.
"What happened to training till exhaustion? What happened to pushing them past their limits?
Did you suddenly grow soft? Weak? Have you lost the stomach to push students anymore?"
Both Marvin and Hen stood in silence, their heads lowered in shame.
Alric rarely involved himself in the day-to-day affairs of students. But Leo Skyshard and Su Yang were different.
He believed, no—he knew—that those two were Rodova's ticket to victory in the Circuits, and that belief was what fueled his absolute insistence on their growth.
And right now, he wasn't seeing the level of intensity they needed, which made him feel very frustrated about the current state of affairs.
"Skyshard just selected two (Divine) ranked skills from the Academy Archives.
Skills that he will now have to learn and master from scratch before the Circuits.
Did NONE of you think to advise him against this?"Alric asked, as the frustration in his voice grew sharper.
"Did NONE of you consider that learning new skills is NOT the fastest way to becoming a Grandmaster?!"
His fists slammed against the desk once more, veins visibly bulging at his temples.
"The difference in skills doesn't matter when you transcend to the next realm! Yet the two of you let him be led astray?"
Alric exhaled sharply, his voice lowering into a dangerous growl.
"What does he know? He's just a kid.
YOU are supposed to be his mentors."
His piercing gaze locked onto Hen, who finally responded—his voice firm but measured.
"With all due respect, Principal, I already made provisions for Skyshard to start sparring against ex-Circuit champions and senior fighters, just like you had instructed me to—" Hen began,
"But those matches were scheduled for next month, as according to our previous growth models, he was only supposed to outpace his class around that time." Hen explained, as Alric's expression darkened slightly.
"But Skyshards growth rate has been absurd ever since he took that first Awakening shot.
And it's not my fault the academy doesn't have suitable opponents lined up for him on short notice." Hen explained, as Alric let out a slow, deep breath—as if restraining himself from flipping the entire desk over.
Then, his eyes narrowed, and his voice dropped into something dangerously quiet.
"The academy couldn't find anyone suitable?"
He repeated the words slowly, letting them sink in.
Then, with a sudden explosion of frustration, he threw up his hands.
"WOW, Hen. What an excuse. Truly.
Do you expect me to believe that YOU—Major Hen, the so-called 'Three-Headed Serpent Killer'—don't have a single personal connection you can call on to spar with the kid?"
Alric's piercing glare locked onto Hen's.
"Do you really expect me to believe that?"
Silence.
Hen had no answer.
And Alric did not need one as his voice hardened into pure command.
"It's called taking initiative, Hen. It's called going above and beyond as an educator."
He leaned forward, his presence suffocating.
"And YOU are supposed to do it." Alric flipped out, as he made his point absolutely clear to both Hen and Marvin.
"From tomorrow onwards, I want YOU Marvin, to train those two boys till they drop dead.
And YOU Hen, to arrange proper circuit level competition for them, on a daily basis.
We must mould them from now, because if we don't, we might not just fail to take the top-spot this year, we might also lose second place!" Alric said, as he tossed a fresh data slate towards Marvin.
—---------
As Marvin and Hen leaned in, their eyes scanning the data slate that Alric had just tossed their way, their expressions immediately darkened.
The more they read, the heavier the weight in the room became, as for a moment, the two could not believe their eyes.
"B-but this makes no sense, they were ranked fifth last year? How did they suddenly get so good?" Marvin mused in disbelief, while Hen clutched at his gray hair, tugging at them in pure shock.
[ SKY NEWS REPORT :- Shock 5-4 Close Finish stuns the universe!
Geneva barely edges out Clarence Academy in a thriller at home. Captain Ramos had to step-in personally to ensure the win! ]
[ NINE TAIL NEWS :- A shocker at Geneva home ground.
Team barely edges out rank-5 Clarence Military Academy, after the appearance of shock 3 Grandmasters in the opponent squad.
Talks of a Horizon Merchant Group sponsorship for Clarence underway ]
[ ALL THINGS CIRCUITS :- Shocking news from today's Circuit match-up between Clarence Military Academy and Geneva Military Academy, where the champions were stunned by an early 3-0 lead by Clarence.
Captain Ramos had to personally clean-up in a close 4-5 win.
Can Clarence replace Rodova as the number 2 academy this year?
Can Clarence clinch the top in the underdog story of the century?]
As Marvin and Hen looked at these reports, they could momentarily not believe what they were seeing.
Geneva wiped the floor with Rodova last year in the circuit finals, winning convincingly 5-1.
Yet they had such a close- encounter with Clarence this year, which spoke volumes about how strong the Clarence Military Academy team really was this year.
"And they fucking signed with Horizon. It's official…. The papers don't have it yet, but I know.
For the first time in 22 years, Horizon Merchant Group has decided to not sponsor the Rodova Military Academy Circuits team and go for Clarence Military Academy instead.
Apparently they believe it's better for their image to go with Clarence who will put-up a better fight, rather than Rodova who they don't believe will make it to the finals—" Alric said, as he seemed to be a broken man when he spoke those words.
Horizon was one of the biggest sponsors in the circuits world, and in the past their support for Rodova was always guaranteed.
However, it seemed like after 22 years of waiting for Rodova to retake the top spot and getting no results, they had decided to sponsor Clarence now, who they saw as having better odds of winning it all, or at least becoming the new number two.
"The stakes this time are as high as they get—
We were not affected much when we dropped from rank1 to 2, because the benefits that both receive are almost similar.
However, if we fall to 3 and lose access to the supply of complete Genetic Awakening Serum, we will stop attracting the best talents and it will all go downhill from then.
And that's why, we must not fuck up this year.
And that's why, we must win the circuits this year—" Alric said, as both Marvin and Hen finally understood what was at stake now.
This bonus chapter is sponsored by patron Cervantez91 via supergift. please thank him in the comments for the same.
Contact - ToS
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 118: The Evil-Cult Meet (1)Timeless AssassinC118: The Evil-Cult Meet (1)
Chapter 118: The Evil-Cult Meet (1)
(On a distant frozen wasteland, The Evil Cult)
In the distant corners of the universe, existed a land forsaken by time and abandoned by life itself, called 'FrostBurn'.
Long ago, FrostBurn used to be a vibrant life-hub, with all sorts of life-forms roaming its surface, however, with time as it drifted away from its host star, it started to get cooler and cooler, until it became inhospitable.
FrostBurn was no mere planet—it was a frozen tomb, a realm of eternal ice where warmth had long been exiled.
It lay beyond the Rainbow Stream of Ambient Mana, a desolate world unmonitored by governments, untouched by explorers, and unnoticed by the universe itself.
For 364 days a year, FrostBurn remained an unbroken void of silence.
No birds soared through its starless sky. No beasts stirred beneath its endless sheets of ice, and no wanderer dared to step foot upon its unforgiving tundra.
For the unprepared, FrostBurn was not just inhospitable—it was a death sentence.
The blizzards here did not simply cut—they devoured. The winds did not chill—they killed, as with day-time temperatures reaching barely -70°C, FrostBurn was so cold that even a Grandmaster, a warrior of near-inhuman endurance, would last no more than two hours before the cold infiltrated their veins, freezing their very blood solid.
Only those who had transcended the mortal plane—those who had reached the realm of the Transcendent—could walk this frozen wasteland and emerge unscathed.
And today, twelve such beings had gathered here, as was the tradition on every 5th of July.
—-------
Deep beneath the planet's frozen crust, buried within a labyrinth of ice-forged tunnels, lay The Resistance Chamber—a place that existed beyond history, beyond records, beyond time itself.
This was the sacred meeting ground of the Evil Cult's highest council, where the twelve Elders convened for their single, annual gathering.
Every year, on the 5th of July, they would assemble here—hidden from the eyes of the universe, veiled in absolute secrecy.
Only those ranked 'General' or higher within the Evil Cult even knew of this place's existence. And even among them, only the Elders knew the exact location and the precise day it convened, as without that knowledge, reaching the Resistance Chamber was simply impossible, as no chance wanderer, no misplaced traveler, no fool with ambition could otherwise stumble upon it.
And as for the actual gathering chamber itself—it was a relic of an age long past.
A vast, circular hall, carved from blackened ice, resting deep within a fortress older than recorded time.
The very air within it was thick with an unnatural chill, an oppressive weight that seemed to press against the soul.
Torches lined the walls, their flames burning an eerie, unnatural blue, that casted restless shadows across the icy surfaces.
At the heart of the chamber stood a massive obsidian table, surrounded by twelve thrones of power. Each seat belonged to an Elder, a hidden force in the universe, a faceless hand guiding the Cult's fate.
And today, as eleven figures sat in silence, waiting for the last to arrive, as they remained true to tradition—
Draped in ceremonial robes that covered every inch of their body and masked so their faces would remain hidden from even each other, The Evil Cult elders were shrouded in secrecy even amongst their own kin.
To the outside universe, the Evil Cult Elders were a single entity, a monolithic force of terror and destruction.
But within these walls?
They were twelve unknowns. Twelve shadows. Twelve beings who plotted, schemed, and maneuvered for power—all under the guise of unity.
*Whirrr—*
A gust of frigid wind swept through the chamber as the final figure arrived.
Slow, deliberate footsteps echoed against the icy floor, each step measured, each step a declaration of his presence.
"Sorry I'm late—" the deep voice said, as the final Elder took his seat.
And then—
The meeting began.
—-----------
"Number one, how is The Great Lord holding? Is he slowly recovering from his injuries?" A feminine voice asked, as this year's Evil Cult meeting opened with the most pressing question—- The fate of the Evil God.
"His injuries have not worsened, however they have not improved either.
The wounds that the bastards from the righteous alliance have inflicted on the Lord using the Timeless Assassin's blade are impossible to heal.
However, the Lord holds strong with his spirit, and shows no signs of weakening or dying just yet—" The first elder replied, as a sigh of relief ran across the room.
The health of the Evil God was paramount to the future of the Cult as a whole, as without his presence to deter the Righteous Alliance, it was impossible for the Evil Cult to survive in hiding for even a couple years.
"Praise the Great Lord. Without him we would be lost–" The same feminine voice said, as "Praise the Great Lord" , the whole room echoed.
For a moment, there was absolute silence in the chamber after the first question, but it was soon broken by the seventh elder, who brought up the second most pressing topic.
"What happened to the Third Shadow Corps? Did they manage to successfully retrieve the [Shadows Embrace] skill scroll from the Black Serpents? Or did they fall as well?" The seventh elder asked, as all eyes turned to the third elder, who hung his head in shame.
"The third corps failed miserably in their attempt to retrieve [Shadow's Embrace]. The Black Serpents headquarters is an impenetrable fortress, and stealing from them is simply impossible.
My brave men knew this before they attempted this mission, however, they still wanted to know just how far they could go before they were stopped, so that the next corps to attempt the heist could start from where they failed.
However, they never even managed to breach the main gate.
Their heist was a total failure, and we lost 1 transcendent general and 13 Grandmaster Major's over nothing." The third elder replied, his voice dripping with pain and anger, as a heavy silence settled over the room.
It was yet another year.
And yet another failure to retrieve [Shadows Embrace], as without that skill move, it was simply impossible for the alliance to convert their Dragon candidates into the next Timeless Assassin.
This bonus chapter is sponsored by patron Cervantez91 via supergift.
Please thank him in the comments for the same.
Contact - ToS
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 119: The Evil-Cult Meet (2)Timeless AssassinChapter 119: The Evil-Cult Meet (2)Chapter 119: The Evil-Cult Meet (2)The chamber remained silent for a moment, the weight of the Third Shadow Corps' failure lingering in the air.
Then, a new voice cut through the stillness.
"Well, that was disappointing," the Eighth Elder remarked, her tone casual yet laced with something sharper beneath. "But let's not dwell on failures. We have more pressing matters to discuss."
A few heads turned in her direction, sensing where the conversation was about to lead.
"Tell me," she continued, her fingers tapping lightly against the table. "Are we proceeding with the kidnapping this year? Or are we delaying the plan yet again?"
The question sent a ripple of interest through the chamber. Some leaned in slightly, others remained motionless, but all eyes were now focused on the First Elder—awaiting his response.
"Kidnapping the son of the Black Serpents' Guild Master is NOT the solution to our problems," the First Elder stated firmly, as if he were fed up with this question being asked to him year after year.
"The Universal Government will never allow the Black Serpents to exchange the [Shadow's Embrace] skill scroll for a hostage—no matter who it is. That much is certain."
His words sent a ripple of murmurs across the table, but he continued before anyone could object.
"Even if we manage to successfully take the boy, they won't negotiate. They won't hesitate. They will declare war.
They will either launch an all-out assault to retrieve him or, if that proves impossible, they'll cut their losses and let him die before they ever consider handing over the scroll."
He leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping over the masked figures before him.
"No matter how you look at it, this plan is doomed to fail."
His statement hung heavy in the air, but despite his conviction, frustration crackled beneath the surface of the room.
Murmurs of disagreement stirred among the gathered Elders, whispers of defiance slipping through the silence.
"It's not the best plan, I agree, but what other choice do we have?
We can't retrieve it with a heist. Hell, we can't even slip through the first gate!
So what other options do we have, First Elder?" The Ninth Elder argued, his frustration evident in his tone.
"It's a known fact that the Black Serpents' Guild Master is a glazer for his son.
He has but a single child from his late wife, and he spoils him rotten.
If it's for that child, there's a good chance he'd betray even the Black Serpents Guild and the Universal Government to save his life—" The Eleventh Elder added, his words drawing murmurs of agreement from several others.
For a brief moment, the chamber erupted into a chaotic free-for-all, voices overlapping in heated debate as small factions formed, each arguing their stance.
But then—
"SILENCE!"
A single word, thunderous and absolute, echoed through the chamber as the First Elder slammed his fist against the obsidian table.
The noise died instantly.
"All discussions stop now." His tone was sharp, his patience visibly thin.
"The Twelfth Elder has devised a plan to retrieve the scroll, which he will present before the chamber today.
Should the chamber find his plan insufficient, we will put the kidnapping proposal to a vote—and the majority decision will be final." The first elder said, as order was restored within the chamber, with all eyes turning towards the twelfth and youngest elder.
"The plan that I have devised will take at least a couple more years to come to fruition, if it comes to fruition at all–" The twelfth elder began, his voice deep and commanding as he spoke with a practiced calm.
"I am grooming a boy, a potential Dragon Candidate, to infiltrate the Black Serpents.
He is a genuine menace, who is very loyal to the cause, but with his memories wiped out, he manages to fly under the Righteous Alliance's radar—"
"As things stand, there's at least a 60% chance that he gets recruited into the Black Serpents Guild, but whether or not he's able to steal the scroll from there on out, is anyone's guess—" The twelfth elder said, as he took a long pause.
"It's a long shot—we could waste two years achieving nothing, and it may still end in failure.
However, only one life will be put at risk in this plan, and that will be the boy's alone—the one daring to attempt the impossible." The twelfth elder said, as he pitched the idea exactly as it was, which did not convince the chamber at all.
"No disrespect, twelfth elder, but that plan sounds more like a prayer rather than an actual plan!" The eleventh elder pointed out, as everyone else nodded their heads in agreement.
There were too many variables in the twelfth elders plan, and too many things that could go wrong at any stage.
It was undeniably a new approach, however, it wasn't a promising one.
"I for one would not want to wait two years on this iffy plan…. I propose we move forward with the kidnapping plan vote," The eighth elder proposed, as all eyes once again turned to the first elder, who let out a deep sigh beneath his mask.
"Very well….. since it seems the chamber is not satisfied with the twelfth elders plan, we will now hear the second elders kidnapping plan, and then vote on whether or not we should go ahead with it—" The first elder said reluctantly, as the second elder excitedly stood up from his seat, as if waiting for this exact moment from the start of the meeting.
"The kidnapping plan has already been perfected by the Second Shadow Corps under my command.
The chances of success stand at 85%." The Second Elder declared confidently, his voice cutting through the chamber with unwavering conviction.
Unlike the Twelfth Elder, who stated the success rate of his plan as it was, the Second Elder boldly pushed forward with airy promises, determined to rally the council behind his plan.
"The operation will take place during the Inter-School Circuits.
The Guildmaster's son is a student of Geneva Military Academy, and according to our latest intelligence, he has been selected for their Circuits team this year." He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle over the gathered Elders, as the room fell into absolute silence.
"As you all recall, five years ago, we approved a long-term infiltration plan to embed our agents within the Circuit's security—not for this kidnapping, but for an entirely different purpose.
Back then, we sought to orchestrate a mass-murder incident—a bloodbath that would shake the foundations of the so-called 'righteous' world.
However, that is no longer necessary."
The Second Elder's lips curled into a knowing smirk beneath his mask, his voice laced with excitement.
"We already have key security personnel stationed in the right places within the Grand Combat Arena.
So, instead of executing a mass-casualty event, we can repurpose our deeply embedded assets to pull off this kidnapping, eliminating the need for separate infiltration efforts."
A dark satisfaction radiated from his tone as his eyes scanned the council, gauging their reactions.
"If we snatch the son of the Black Serpents' Guildmaster in front of a packed arena, with the whole universe watching, the blow to the Universal Government's reputation will be catastrophic!
Giving us the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone!"
He leaned forward, voice brimming with fervor.
"In my humble opinion, this is the perfect time to strike.
Since the death of our previous Dragon, we have been entirely on the back foot.
Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 120: The Evil-Cult Meet (3)Timeless AssassinC120: The Evil-Cult Meet (3)
Chapter 120: The Evil-Cult Meet (3)
Once the Second Elder concluded his speech and sat back down, discussions broke out amongst all the Elders present once again, as they debated the merits and demerits of his plan.
Low voices filled the chamber, whispers of agreement mixing with murmurs of concern.
Some Elders nodded in approval, while others leaned back in contemplation, weighing the potential gain against the inevitable consequences.
Then—one voice rose above the rest.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The Fourth Elder's gloved fingers drummed against the obsidian table as he leaned forward slightly.
"This is a mistake," he said at last, his voice calm, yet carrying the weight of firm conviction, as all eyes turned to him.
"The kidnapping plan is bold, but it is a risk we cannot afford to take—not yet."
He exhaled slowly, his breath misting in the icy air.
"The Righteous Alliance is already watching us closely. If we pull off an operation of this scale, the backlash will be immediate and devastating."
His gaze swept over the chamber, lingering on the masked figures of his fellow Elders.
"They will not let this slide. They will hunt us down, break apart our networks, and purge us from every shadow we've hidden in. Even if we succeed in taking the boy, what then?"
He gestured toward the First Elder.
"The First Elder has already warned us—the Universal Government will never allow the Black Serpents to make the exchange. If they will not negotiate, then what is the purpose of this mission?"
A few murmurs of agreement rippled through the chamber.
"It is a good plan—but we are simply not strong enough to handle the backlash from it. This is not the time to take such risks, we need to consolidate our positions more before taking such drastic steps." The Fourth Elder sat back, his piece spoken.
For a moment, the chamber was still.
Then—
Bang!
The Ninth Elder slammed his fist onto the table, his voice laced with frustration.
"We will never be strong enough!" he snapped, his words reverberating through the frozen chamber.
Several Elders turned toward him as he straightened his posture, his tone sharpening with intensity.
"In life, some things are best left to chance. If we wait for the perfect moment, we will be waiting forever."
He leaned forward, his masked face tilting slightly as he directed his argument toward the Fourth Elder.
"You say the backlash will be strong? Good. Then we should start preparing for it now. Instead of retreating and cancelling this plan like cowards, we should begin fortifying our strongholds, securing new bases, expanding our influence, and preparing for war.
Because one day, war will come to us anyway—whether we start it or not."
A heavy silence followed.
Some Elders shifted uncomfortably, while others nodded, considering his words.
The Ninth Elder continued.
"Our previous Dragon is dead. Our movements have been stagnant. The Righteous Alliance has been pushing us further into hiding, forcing us to retreat again and again. If we do nothing, if we remain passive, we will eventually wither away into irrelevance.
But this?" He gestured toward the Second Elder. "This is a statement. A message to the universe that we are not dead—that we are not afraid to take bold steps forward."
His gaze hardened.
"If we are to fall, then let us fall while roaring, not while crawling into the dirt."
A murmur of approval followed his speech.
The tension thickened as both arguments weighed heavy in the minds of the Elders.
Then—
Clap. Clap.
The First Elder clapped his palms, gathering everyone's attention.
"Enough."
His voice was calm, yet it held the finality of command.
"We will settle this the way we always have, by putting it to a vote." He declared, as the air grew thick with anticipation.
"Twelve Elders sit at this table," the First Elder continued. "A simple majority will decide.
Those in favor of proceeding with the Second Elder's plan—raise your hands."
A beat of silence—then, slowly, hands rose.
The Second Elder.
The Ninth Elder.
The Eighth.
The Tenth.
The Sixth.
And finally—the Eleventh.
Six hands.
Then, after a long pause—the Seventh Elder slowly lifted his hand, tipping the balance.
Seven votes in favor.
The First Elder exhaled quietly.
"Those against?"
The Fourth Elder was the first to raise his hand.
Followed by the Third.
The Fifth.
The Twelfth.
And, after a moment of hesitation—the First Elder himself for Five votes against the proposal.
"Seven to Five, the decision has been made" The First Elder's voice carried no emotion.
"The kidnapping will proceed as the second elder suggested—" He concluded, as the elders in favor began banging their fists against the table in elation.
—-----------
(A couple hours later, after the conclusion of this year's meeting)
The echoes of the chamber still lingered in his mind as the Twelfth Elder ascended the winding path through the ice-forged labyrinth with a heavy heart.
The decision had been made.
The kidnapping would proceed as planned.
But even as he moved away from the meeting, his thoughts drifted elsewhere—to what was not discussed.
No one spoke of the next Dragon.
Not once.
Not a single voice in that chamber had mentioned raising a new heir to the legacy they had long sworn to protect.
Not one Elder had brought up potential candidates.
Hell, no-one had even entertained the possibility of someone new taking the mantle.
And that was the true tragedy.
They had given up.
They had all given up.
"Noah..."
The Twelfth Elder exhaled slowly, his breath turning to frost in the frigid air.
"Your death has left a heavier scar on this organization than you could have ever imagined."
The Evil Cult had suffered countless setbacks over the centuries. They had lost battles before. They had lost men before.
But never had they lost belief.
Yet when Noah fell—belief died with him.
The strongest Dragon they had nurtured in over two hundred years—A true genius warrior that was just one step away from reaching 'Monarch' level strength at the young age of 39.
However, the Guild Master of the Black Serpents killed him before he reached that dream, and with his death, the belief of the Evil Cult also shattered.
The same Elders who once spoke of destiny and fate while Noah was still alive, now only whispered of survival and desperation.
The grand vision of raising the next Timeless Assassin was no longer their priority.
It was a lost dream, as instead of creating their own fate, they were now planning to lash out at those who had crushed them.
And the Twelfth Elder hated it.
He hated that this was what they had become.
He hated that they had forsaken the vision that once united them.
And most of all—
He hated that he was starting to see the reason behind their desperation.
*Sigh—*
The twelfth elder let out a deep sigh, as he approached the exit of the ice labyrinth, behind which was the white abyss of FrostBurn's surface.
A blizzard howled beyond it, carrying with it the whispers of a dying cult, as upon approaching the exit, the Twelfth Elder could not help but pause at the threshold.
"Would things really be this bad... if only Noah was still alive?" He wondered out-loud, as his gloved palms curled into a tight fist, his jaw tightening in anger.
However, after a few seconds of wondering what could have been, The Twelfth Elder finally stepped into the open, as he knew that wasting time on wondering what could have been was utterly pointless.
(Rodova Military Academy – The Physical Training Class)
The early morning air was crisp, but it did little to keep Leo from noticing Professor Marvin's piercing gaze drilling into him.
As he stretched, shaking off the lingering haze of sleep, he couldn't help but feel like today's session was going to be a nightmare.
He, Su Yang, and Mu Shen already trained under a regimen far more brutal than the rest of the class, but for some reason, Marvin still didn't look remotely impressed this particular morning.
"Boys, the way Marvin's looking at us today, I'm definitely not getting any good vibes.
He's already got us carrying 80-kilo vests while the rest of the class barely manages 40.
But I think he's ready to bump us up to 100 today—" Mu Shen said, as he shifted uneasily.
Contact - ToS