Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 151 151: The start of a journey and the end of some dreamsTimeless AssassinC151 151: The start of a journey and the end of some dreams
Leo's performance against Khyaal left several of the VIP sponsors with mouths agape and eyes wide, as some even found themselves unconsciously wiping the drool gathering at the corners of their lips, for they finally saw in Leo what Major Hen and Principal Alric had known all along— that he was going to be the next universal sensation.
"What speed! What reaction time! That boy's nothing like a typical fighter—"
"Leo Skyshard? I've never heard of the Skyshard Clan. Which elite bloodline does this boy belong to?"
"Mu! He's got to be one of those hidden Mu Clan kids, sent out with a fake name like they always do.
That's got to be it. The Mu Clan will probably pull him back into the fold after the circuits—"
"He's marketable too! Tall but not overly bulky, fair-faced with those gray eyes—handsome, but not to the point where the common folk resent him. He's the perfect poster boy! Our armor would look perfect on him!"
"His speed will be the talk of the entire circuits! We need to snatch him up before someone else does.
Frankly, he should be a higher priority for our consortium than even Su Yang!"
The VIP lounge erupted in discussions, as excitement spiraled into thinly veiled desperation, as no one wanted to be the one watching Leo sign with a rival group.
Since they all shared the same observation deck, watching their competitors' eyes light up at Leo's performance only heightened the sense of urgency, as even the most composed sponsors felt the mounting pressure to act fast.
"Principal Alric—"
"Principal Alric, sir, if we could borrow a moment, I was actually thinking of making a generous donation to the academy—new floors, maybe even a new wing—"
"Principal Alric, would you happen to have a minute to discuss the sponsorship of Leo Skyshard and Su Yang? I mean… they'll need responsible sponsors, right? For the sake of their future."
"Principal Alric, about that smaller badge slot on the sleeve of the team jersey... What was the asking price again?"
One after another, they swarmed him like starved wolves circling fresh prey, as Alric, seated comfortably with a glass of champagne in hand, watched the chaos unfold with the satisfied smile of a man who had seen this coming all along.
"Gentlemen…. Gentlemen, today is not the right time for discussing business, today we are here to watch and cheer on the kids.
Please, for business inquiries, reach out to my office…. We respond Monday through Saturday" Alric said, as he strategically shot down any and all attempts for a back-channel deal, as he wanted them to sit on this chance anxiously, so that he could drive up the price on his terms.
—---------
"Winner of this match, Leo Skyshard, will replace Vice-Captain Khyaal on the team—" Major Hen declared a few minutes after the duel had ended, as the announcement echoed through the arena.
At first, the crowd erupted in cheers for Leo's victory, swept up by the sheer spectacle of his dominance.
But as their eyes slowly drifted toward Khyaal—still kneeling in the center of the arena, head bowed, staring silently at the dirt—the applause softened, growing quieter with every passing second.
For despite the thrill of the match, everyone present knew what kind of warrior Khyaal was.
Had Leo simply chosen another opponent, Khyaal might have easily retained his position.
But sometimes, life didn't care for effort or fairness.
Sometimes, it simply pitted you against an opponent you couldn't overcome.
Yet, what truly defined a warrior was how they stood in the face of such defeats.
And Khyaal, ever the gentleman, eventually rose to his feet, shaking off the dust from his armor as he turned toward the crowd.
With a calm smile and no trace of bitterness, he raised his hand and waved—accepting both the loss and the respect it had earned him.
For while he hadn't secured the victory he wanted, he had given everything he could.
He had trained harder than anyone.
He had fought without excuses.
And though today didn't go his way, he could still leave the arena without a lowered head, for there was no shame in giving your all.
"If there's anyone I'd be proud to hand my spot over to—it's Skyshard," Khyaal declared, standing tall despite the loss. "Best of luck to him. And I hope you don't let Rodova down."
With that, Khyaal turned and walked off the stage—not as a defeated man, but as a warrior who had earned the respect of all.
The crowd erupted, not in sorrow, but in admiration.
"Khyaal! Khyaal! Khyaal!"
The chants echoed throughout the arena, louder than even the cheers that had followed the earlier victories, as the students and guests honored him like a hero.
Even Leo, standing silently at the center of the ring, couldn't help but offer a few respectful claps, acknowledging the spirit Khyaal had shown.
And just like that, with no one left to challenge Yu Shen, the final Circuit Team roster was officially sealed.
Only two first-years had made it.
Leo Skyshard and Su Yang.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Major Hen announced, stepping forward as the noise began to settle, "it is my honor to present to you the ten warriors who will represent Rodova Military Academy in this year's Circuits—"
With a simple flick of his wrist, the massive display behind him lit up, showcasing the final roster of faces.
*Applause*
The first-years watched the newly crowned team with glittering eyes, each of them secretly imagining their own face up there next year.
The sight of Leo and Su Yang standing among the senior elites made the impossible suddenly feel within reach, as hope quietly bloomed across the junior class.
Yet, on the other side of the arena, the second-year seniors stood motionless, their hearts sinking as they stared at the team, as for them, there would be no next year, no third chance.
Some clenched their jaws.
Others lowered their heads.
But all of them knew—
For better or worse, this was the end of their circuit dream.
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 152 152: Team RodovaTimeless AssassinC152 152: Team Rodova
(Rodova Military Academy – The Circuits Team Changing Room)
Following the final selections, Yu Shen gathered the newly assembled Rodova Circuits Team inside the academy's official changing room.
The space, though functional, carried the weight of decades of history, the scent of sweat and polish lingering in the air, as worn-down lockers lined the walls.
The ten members each sat quietly before their assigned lockers, with Leo and Su Yang noticeably occupying two seats that once belonged to familiar faces. Leo sat beneath the nameplate etched with 'Khyaal,' while Su Yang found himself in front of 'Faizan.'
Neither commented on it, yet the room felt it.
Yu Shen paced slowly around the room, arms crossed behind his back, a small but genuine smile softening his otherwise sharp features.
"This is it, guys," Su Yang suddenly spoke, breaking the silence as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "We are the team that's going to make history this year. We're the team that's going to WIN the circuits for Rodova after decades of coming up short!"
His words immediately shifted the atmosphere, as chuckles, nods, and murmurs of agreement spread like wildfire.
Leo, usually indifferent to such speeches, felt a subtle warmth stir in his stomach as the atmosphere turned rowdy with laughter and high spirits.
Yu Shen let them have their moment before raising a hand.
"Alright, alright—quiet down." He waited until the room settled. "It's safe to say no one here objects to Leo and Su Yang joining this room officially. Frankly, even if they didn't pass through today's selection, I would've sold my kidneys to get them on the team somehow."
A ripple of laughter passed through the room, lightening the mood.
"But thankfully, I won't need to do that," Yu Shen added with a nervous chuckle. "Khyaal and Faizan are gone now. We won't forget them, but we also can't linger on it. They contributed immensely to this team's growth, and the best way to honor their legacy—" Yu Shen's eyes narrowed with resolve, "—is to win the circuits for them."
The room fell respectfully silent for a brief moment, before heads began nodding.
"We have two weeks," Yu Shen continued. "Subtract the Grand Parade, opening ceremony, media obligations, and two full days are gone. The final day is for rest, recovery, and getting your injuries patched up. That leaves us with eleven real days."
He scanned every member's face, letting the pressure sink in.
"Eleven days. That's it."
"And no," he added bluntly, "unless one of you somehow ascends past your limits and becomes a Grandmaster overnight, your power level is pretty much locked in. So stop chasing breakthroughs."
His eyes swept across the room.
"Instead, consolidate what you already have. Polish it. Refine it. Because in the circuits, just like in life, the saying holds true—'Fear not the man who knows a thousand moves, but fear the man who has practiced the same move a thousand times.'"
Yu Shen's voice dropped a tone, final and sharp.
"Am I clear?"
A resounding "Yes, Captain!" echoed through the room without hesitation.
As Yu Shen allowed himself another indulgent smile.
"Currently, all the other academies have no idea as to what Skyshard and Yang are capable of. And although they will try their best to gather information—by contacting someone from their class, or even the teaching staff—the information they will gather will always be incomplete at best."
"Skyshard and Yang are wild cards for our team, and if we preserve them long enough, no team will be able to create a proper counter-strategy against them," Yu Shen explained, as everyone nodded in agreement.
"With four Grandmaster warriors on this team… this is undoubtedly the STRONGEST team we have had in years."
"However, circuits are not won by the number of Grandmasters you have. They are won by team effort and heart."
"Decades ago, when we lost our top spot to Geneva, they only had two Grandmasters compared to our four—and yet we still lost because their fighters had more courage and heart."
"So this year, that's what I ask from all of you."
"Show heart."
"Till the last second, refuse to give up. Even if you can't finish an opponent, as long as you injure them or tire them out, your team member will sweep in and finish the job!" Yu Shen said, locking eyes with every non-Grandmaster team member, as though warning them that their resolve would matter more than their raw strength.
"Alright, I won't take much more of your time."
"Let's give the new members their team jackets and special uniforms."
"And let's teach them the team anthem."
Yu Shen said as he gestured for Leo and Su Yang to step forward, handing them each their team jackets and fresh uniforms.
The jacket was black and gold with white-lined collars and a velvet finish.
It hugged the body like it had been tailored personally, warm yet dignified, with the iconic Rodova crest stitched boldly near the heart.
On the right sleeve, the number 55 stood out in sharp embroidery—marking the academy's 55 past championship victories.
Though Rodova had fallen from grace in recent years, it still stood atop the circuit's history, with Geneva trailing far behind at just 35 championships.
As simply wearing it made one feel like they were carrying the weight of generations.
And while the jacket was flashy, the team uniform itself was more modest—a simple shift from their regular academy outfit that now bore the words 'Rodova Circuits Team' over the left chest badge instead of the usual 'Rodova Military Academy' insignia.
As there was no other change to the uniform.
—--------
After Leo and Su Yang finished adjusting their jackets, Yu Shen stepped into the center of the locker room, raising one fist, as all other team members joined him, locking their fists in the air, with Leo and Su Yang being the last to follow suit.
"Alright, boys—team chant."
Yu Shen said, as he looked into Leo and Su Yang's eyes, making sure they followed his words closely.
"This chant was made by the first captain of this academy's circuit team, centuries ago.
And till day, we chant it nonetheless—" Yu Shen began, as although he seemed a bit embarrassed by the out of fashion chant, he was still proud to keep the tradition alive.
"Repeat after me–"
"Strength above all! Heart beyond strength! Rodova forever!" He said slowly, as without hesitation, the entire room erupted.
"STRENGTH ABOVE ALL! HEART BEYOND STRENGTH! RODOVA FOREVER! "
"Again—"
"STRENGTH ABOVE ALL! HEART BEYOND STRENGTH! RODOVA FOREVER! "
Leo blinked, caught off-guard at first, as for a moment, he almost scoffed—
Leo couldn't believe that grown men were chanting gang chants that sounded like poems, yet as he glanced around the room, seeing hardened warriors grinning like kids, some tired but proud, the familiar sense of distance cracked.
He felt something rise within him.
It wasn't bloodlust. It wasn't hunger.
It was… warmth.
Foreign. Quiet. But undeniably there.
The atmosphere, the unity, the absurd chant—it stirred something faint in him, as though for the first time, he wasn't just participating for survival or advantage.
As deep down, Leo felt it.
Felt as to how— He did not mind belonging here.
Even if it was just for now.
Even if he knew this was never going to be permanent.
In this instance, he wanted to be a part of this group, and hence, when the chant rang out a third time, he joined in—not out of obligation, but out of joy.
As he too shouted —
"STRENGTH ABOVE ALL! HEART BEYOND STRENGTH! RODOVA FOREVER! "
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 153 153: Getting used to the new strengthTimeless AssassinC153 153: Getting used to the new strength
(Next day, Rodova Military Academy, Practical Combat Grounds)
The academy underwent a temporary shift following the Circuit Team Selections, as the training facilities — including the physical training grounds and the combat halls — were sealed off from the general student body. Access was restricted solely to the newly-formed Circuit Team, granting them the privacy to train without fear of leaking strategies or revealing their fighting styles.
"Bloody hell, boy! It's just a spar! Don't feint for my neck like that—" Hen barked as a shiver ran down his spine.
Leo, who had already been a nightmare to spar against as a Master-level warrior, was now practically untouchable since his breakthrough to Grandmaster.
Ever since the realm jump, he had elevated himself to an entirely different league, where his every technique, every movement, felt sharper, faster, and heavier — leaving Hen struggling to keep up.
However, what unsettled Hen more than his speed and improved strength of techniques was the sheer unpredictability of his blade, especially when he unleashed [Thousand Phantom Slashes].
The layered illusions that the move produced weren't just harder to read — they were downright impossible, and even a veteran like Hen struggled against them.
*Slash—*
Leo's dagger found Hen's right forearm, drawing a shallow cut.
"Bloody hell, boy," Hen grumbled, rubbing the wound. "I'm an old man whose eyes don't work like they used to. Have some damn mercy."
Yet, behind the grumbling, his eyes gleamed. The sting of the cut didn't upset him — it thrilled him.
The challenge, the pressure, the fact that Leo could force him to fight seriously even now, brought Hen genuine joy, as without missing a beat, Hen gripped his weapon tighter, as his aura flared sharply.
"Okay, I'm upping the ante by a notch, try and keep up—" Hen said, as he decided to push his body to 90% of his total strength output, as he fought Leo as seriously as he could in a spar.
Since Leo was still familiarising himself with the newfound strength of his Grandmaster body, Hen had been taking it easy on him during the spar, only gradually increasing the tempo so that he could acclimatize, however, now that Leo had drawn first blood, Hen intended to show no mercy.
*BOOM—*
The spar escalated, as Hen released a heavy cleave infused with [Heavy Mountain Breaking Slash], causing cracks to ripple through the reinforced ground.
Leo instinctively activated [Celestial Veil], a transparent barrier enveloping his body as the slash collided harmlessly against it.
*PUSH–*
The force sent him sliding backward, boots grinding against the floor — yet, remarkably, he remained uninjured, as the barrier held strong.
*Whistle–*
Hen whistled, seemingly impressed by the defence, as he said. "Tch. what a broken defence— it puts even tankers to shame"
Leo said nothing in response as he lunged forward, chaining together [Shadow Bind] to slow Hen's movement for just a heartbeat, giving him the window to dive in.
Yet Hen, ever the veteran, broke through the bind with sheer brute force, retaliating with a wide arc swing, forcing Leo to twist away at the last second.
The two exchanged a flurry of movements — Leo weaving between Hen's strikes with agility and grace, while Hen pressed harder with each swing, testing the limit of Leo's newfound strength.
Then, in a moment that caught even Hen off guard — Leo accelerated even more, I'm a sudden burst of speed, as at one moment he seemed to be ducking to dodge an attack, but in another he had already slipped past his guard entirely, as if he had teleported within a split second.
"Huh?" Hen said in panic, as his pupils constricted, however, before he could even reposition, Leo's dagger rested firmly against his chest as Hen blinked in disbelief.
"I— I lost?" he said, eyes wide in disbelief.
As only then did the realization fully struck him.
"I LOST!" Hen bellowed, bursting into laughter, the sound echoing through the empty combat hall.
His booming laughter wasn't one of embarrassment, but of pride — sheer, unfiltered pride.
As Leo stepped back, panting.
"You've grown, boy," Hen said, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead as he tried to stifle his laughter. "You're no longer some diamond in the rough. You're a goddamn treasure."
It hadn't been an overwhelming victory, it was just Leo coupling [Parallel Processing] with [Thousand Phantom Slashes] that created a moment of acceleration that changed the tempo of his movement entirely.
However, it wasn't a decisive move, but rather just a clever trick that would work against any opponent once.
But still, him being able to outmaneuver a battle-hardened veteran like Hen, even for a fleeting moment, was undoubtedly impressive, as it proved that his potential was boundless.
"I've got to tell this to the principal—" Hen said with joy, as after months of watching Leo grow firsthand, Hen couldn't help but feel responsible for the boy's development as a warrior, as although there were many tutors mentoring him in the academy, he was undoubtedly the one who had the most impact on his fighting style.
"The circuits are not ready for you boy, between you, Yang and Shen, we really can hope that Rodova will go all the way—" Hen said, as he sounded genuinely hopeful about Rodova's chances to win this year.
—----------
Slowly but surely, Leo found himself adapting to the overwhelming changes brought by his breakthrough, as techniques that once felt forced and taxing at the Master level now flowed from him with natural ease.
It wasn't just raw strength or top-end speed that had improved—those were easy to quantify. What made this advancement so profound was the subtle, yet decisive, difference it brought to every facet of combat.
His footing recovered faster, his leaps carried him higher, and his muscles coiled and snapped back into position with flawless efficiency, allowing him to regain control even when caught in awkward angles or unbalanced stances.
It wasn't something measurable with simple numbers, yet its effect on combat was monumental.
It felt as if he could no longer be caught off-guard, as even the wildest swings or the most reckless charges no longer left him vulnerable. The time it took him to regain perfect posture had been reduced to the blink of an eye, leaving no exploitable gaps for his opponents.
And this was merely one of the many advantages the Grandmaster realm had bestowed upon him.
Apart from this, it was his instincts that had grown keener, as if his body acted faster than thought, performing movements almost the instant he willed them to happen.
It was essentially an improvement in reaction time, however, it made catching him off-guard that much harder for his opponent, as Leo rarely felt surprised by a move coming his way anymore.
And finally, ever since shifting to using mana as energy for his body, his battle stamina improved drastically, as his muscles didn't fatigue as quickly, his breathing steadied faster after exchanges, and his mana no longer churned uncontrollably when pushed, but flowed calmly, like water through familiar channels.
Each of these small, immeasurable gains might have seemed trivial on their own—but together, they compounded into something terrifying.
As Leo was no longer simply stronger, he was more complete.
And that, more than anything, made him very dangerous.
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 154 154: OptionsTimeless AssassinC154 154: Options
(3 days later, Rodova Military Academy)
Leo was sparring with Minerva in the practical combat grounds when a sudden summons arrived, calling him to Principal Alric's office.
"What does he want with me?" Leo muttered, instinctively wondering if he was in trouble.
However, the low-ranking clerk who had delivered the message merely shrugged, clearly clueless about the reason.
Left with no choice, Leo sighed, straightened his uniform, and began making his way toward the principal's office, uncertain about what awaited him.
—--------
Thankfully, what awaited Leo inside Principal Alric's office wasn't trouble—but opportunity.
As the doors sealed behind him, Alric gestured toward the chair across his desk, a half-finished glass of champagne beside him.
"Sit," he said with a rare smile. "This isn't bad news… unless you're allergic to fame and money."
Leo raised an eyebrow but took the seat without complaint.
Alric leaned forward, fingers steepled. "Given your memory issues, I figured I should ask—do you understand the role sponsors play in a fighter's career?"
Leo gave a short, dismissive nod. "Rough idea."
Alric nodded back. "Then let me make it clearer."
"Look, kid. The Circuits are a universe-wide event, broadcast to every corner of the Federation. Hundreds of billions tune in. It's one of the most-watched competitions in existence— and although it only lasts a few days, the warriors who shine there? They become permanent public figures."
He leaned back, letting the weight of those words hang in the air.
"If you put on a good show, you won't just earn praise—you'll gain fans. Millions of them. They'll copy your hair, your robes, your fighting stance. They'll buy anything with your name on it."
"And that's why companies—especially the big ones—want to be the first to associate their brands with rising stars."
Leo gave a small nod, this time with more focus.
"Fighters from Rodova always pull in the best deals because we usually make it to the finals. Group sponsorships come in automatically—gear, travel, accommodations, shared revenue. That's normal."
"But what you're looking at…" Alric paused, grabbing a thin file off his desk and tossing it toward Leo, "...are individual sponsorships."
Leo opened it to see a list far thicker than he expected.
"Usually, only captains or headline fighters pull this kind of attention. Su Yang's got a few decent offers already, but you—" Alric pointed, "—you've got dozens."
He stood and began pacing slowly behind his desk.
"We've got major merchant groups wanting to model you for apparel lines. Luxury brands want you in their ad campaigns.
We've got renowned weaponsmiths from the central worlds offering to forge you custom daggers—free of charge—just for the exposure.
Designer tailors want to create your robes from scratch. Boot-makers, hair stylists, cologne brands, even a nutritional supplement company—"
Alric turned back to face him, voice dry.
"Basically, there are people who want to sponsor everything about you. From the soles of your boots to the way your breath smells after a fight."
He smirked. "You're a blank slate with sharp blades, a mysterious past, and the looks to sell products across demographics. You're exactly what they've been praying for."
"And that's exactly why, I can't let you settle for any of the offers you currently have in hand—" Alric said, as his expression turned serious.
"They aren't bad offers," Alric clarified. "Some are from respected brands, reputable weaponsmiths, and decent mid-tier merchant groups."
He stepped forward, leaning casually against the front of his desk.
"But they're too niche. Too narrow. What you need is not just a brand—but a consortium. A powerhouse that will back you, represent you, and invest in you long-term."
Alric pulled open his drawer and slid out a much thinner, leather-bound file, which he then tossed lightly across the desk towards Leo.
"That's why I'm advising you to focus only on these three."
Leo caught the file and flipped it open.
"These are the biggest merchant consortiums that have expressed interest in you," Alric continued. "And they aren't here to sponsor you for a season. They'll cover you for the next five years, no matter what direction your path takes—even if you leave Rodova a year early." He spoke plainly, yet with absolute certainty.
"With their backing, doors you can't even imagine will open to you."
He raised a hand, ticking off fingers as he listed.
"VIP auctions, restricted gear markets, rare and ancient ruins expeditions, black market invitations, personal connections to the nobility, elite weapon refiners, access to genetic modification tech, high tier skill scrolls and meditation manuals— you name it."
Leo's eyes sharpened slightly as he realized the weight behind Alric's words.
"The difference between having a consortium behind you and walking alone?" Alric scoffed. "It's the difference between scraping for scraps… and eating at the king's table."
Leo thumbed through the file slowly, eyes skimming the contents.
—----
1) Silverlight Consortium
Specialty: Globalized Commerce & Military Equipment Conglomerate
Strengths: Balance between military contracts and consumer markets.
Offer:
Full sponsorship deal covering all weapons, combat gear, robes, utility items, and boots from Silverlight's military-grade manufacturing branches.
850,000 MP annual base salary (scalable with performance).
Guaranteed 5-year contract.
Access to all Silverlight-owned training facilities, including elite combat simulators, off-world testing ranges, and private dungeons.
Priority access to their black-market affiliated "Silver Fang" auctions for restricted-grade materials.
Publicity boost via the Silverlight GalaxyNet Broadcasting Division.
Potential for long-term brand ambassador position, even post-circuits.
Reputation: Known for backing war heroes and tournament champions. Seen as a steady, reliable, and slightly conservative option, but their network is massive, offering long-term security.
---
2) Crimson Phoenix Group
Specialty: Media, Entertainment & Sponsorship Powerhouse
Strengths: Fame, influence, and aggressive marketing.
Offer:
1,200,000 MP annual base salary with significant performance bonuses.
Complete sponsorship of weapons, gear, robes, boots, and even cosmetic enhancements through partner brands.
5-year sponsorship with an option for extension.
Guaranteed personal PR manager and exclusive GalaxyNet coverage.
Automatic entry into all circuits-related entertainment programs, documentaries, and commercial deals.
Exclusive access to high-profile events, auctions, private ruins expeditions, and rare auctions backed by their entertainment conglomerate.
5% royalty share on any Crimson Phoenix licensed products involving signee (post-circuits).
Reputation: Known for creating 'celebrities' out of circuit champions. They focus on marketability, brand deals, and giving fighters the spotlight, but often pressure fighters into media obligations.
---
3) Horizon Dominion Group
Specialty: Military-Industrial-Scientific Superpower.
Strengths: Cutting-edge tech, experimental equipment, and rare resources.
Offer:
1,500,000 MP annual base salary (flat rate with minimal bonus structures).
Fully funded personal gear crafted by Horizon's "Advanced Combat Systems" division, including custom daggers, robes, combat boots, and proprietary relic-grade artifacts.
Free access to Horizon Dominion's classified training facilities and experimental dungeons.
Guaranteed spot in annual Horizon-exclusive tournaments and private exhibitions.
Priority invitation to ancient ruins expeditions under Horizon Groups excavation rights.
Access to Horizon's internal black market for rare alchemical reagents and materials.
5-year sponsorship, with potential transition into a Horizon Research & Combat Division membership post-circuits.
Reputation: The most prestigious consortium but also the most demanding. Fighters who sign with Horizon often face intense internal competition and are expected to act as experimental agents, testing new tech and gear on the battlefield.
—-------
"Signing with either one would not be a mistake, but which one to go for is up to you.
They have all shown sincerity by offering you base salaries that's many times even what I earn, and is comparable to what Yu Shen got, even though you're just a first year and he's the Captain.
So think carefully about it—" Alric said, as he let Leo think about his options in peace.
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 155 155: ChoiceTimeless AssassinC155 155: Choice
Leo sat silently in front of the leather-bound file, his fingers absently tracing the edge of the crisp pages as his eyes skimmed through each offer, expressionless, as if indifferent to the life-changing decisions listed before him.
He had never given much thought to sponsors before, as such trivialities had never been a part of his fragmented world, yet with Alric's earlier explanation ringing in his head about how essential sponsors were to a warrior's future, Leo found himself cornered into accepting the necessity of choosing one.
'Silverlight Consortium,' Leo mused internally, as his eyes hovered over the first page with its neat bullet points laid out like a topper's class notes.
'Reliable. Stable. Deeply rooted in military and noble circles. Their influence reaches across sectors, and their reputation is spotless.'
He knew well that with Silverlight's backing, he would never lack gear, resources, or protection. Access to their black-market channels and elite training facilities alone would make most warriors desperate to sign.
Yet, as his fingers tapped idly against the file, Leo couldn't ignore the glaring flaw. 'They're too safe. Too loud. Too eager to showcase every warrior they groom.'
Silverlight didn't just sponsor fighters—they paraded them, splashing their names and faces across every Federation broadcast. 'The whole point of their model is visibility, making their talents impossible to ignore,' Leo thought, as his lips curved downward slightly.
And visibility, for Leo, was fatal. 'The Black Serpents won't want a celebrity. And I certainly can't walk into their ranks with my face recognized by every child with a holo-pad.'
Turning the page, Leo suppressed a sigh.
'Crimson Phoenix,' he read silently, eyebrows narrowing ever so slightly. The file was dense—not with power, but with glamour. Reality shows, PR teams, exclusive documentaries, personal stylists, and commercial contracts—it reeked of a showman's fantasy.
'Su Yang would love this circus,' Leo noted dryly. 'He lives for the spotlight.'
But Leo had no interest in such nonsense. 'I don't need millions buying my perfume or speculating about my love life. The moment the circuits end, I need to vanish.'
The reality settled heavily within him. 'Once this tournament ends, my next destination isn't the entertainment industry—it's the underworld. The Black Serpents don't care if I'm trending on Federation Net or if I've got a fashion line; if anything, it will make them put me down before I ever step through their door.'
The sheer weight of attention Crimson Phoenix offered wasn't a blessing—it was a death sentence and hence Leo counted them out and instead flipped to the next page.
'Horizon Dominion Group,' he read, eyes lingering on the word 'Dominion', as somehow that naming felt intimidating yet impressive to him.
'Their offer is plain, there's no glitter, no public campaigns, no tailored brand image….. just access.'
His breathing steadied, as every line he read only confirmed his instincts. 'Access to relic-grade equipment, to restricted ruins and dungeons, to private black-market auctions known only to those with real power.'
Horizon's business wasn't about being seen—it was about controlling the parts of the world unseen.
'Experimental equipment, connections with off-record mercenary companies, and an intelligence network that probably knows more about me than I do.'
It was exactly the kind of backing an assassin needed.
Of course, they wanted him to participate in showcase fights—demonstrations for weapon sales to powerful buyers—but that was a small price to pay for the backing they have him.
'Better to show off in a private, invite-only duel than parade myself before the whole universe.'
And above all, Leo's thoughts darkened as a quiet realism slipped into them. 'If—if my past is worse than I imagine, if someone from the universal government comes knocking to arrest me one day—then only Horizon has the power to sweep it under the rug, as they are clearly the group with the most connections and power that could potentially get rid of my past, if I need them to–'
Leo thought, as he leaned back, gaze distant for a heartbeat.
"How much time do I have to decide?" Leo asked Alric, as he wanted to take a couple days to decide.
However, unfortunately, Alric did not give him such time.
"Five minutes, kid. The representatives from all three are sitting in the VIP lounge on the ground floor.
They'll need to get your measurements and styling done today if you want your gear ready before your first match.
What did you think? Custom-grade equipment just falls from the sky?" Alric scoffed with trademark sarcasm, as Leo let out a soft sigh.
For a few more seconds he thought about his choice, but after thinking it through, he felt positive that Horizon was the best he could do for now, and hence—-
"I'll go with Horizon Dominion," he declared, as Alric let out a low chuckle, giving a knowing nod.
"That's the choice I would've recommended too—even if I've got a personal grudge against them lately.
You might not know this, but Horizon sponsored the entire Rodova team for two decades straight before suddenly jumping ship to Clarence this year. But, I'll admit, grudges aside—they're definitely resourceful."
Alric stood, pouring himself another drink as he continued.
"They'll ask you to show up at some private arms demonstrations and might throw you into a few weird exhibition fights now and then, but... they'll get you what you need. Meditation manuals, equipment, even the kind of rare materials others won't find in ten lifetimes."
Alric glanced back, eyes slightly more serious.
"You're not making a mistake, boy. If anything—you might've just made the best move of your fighting career." Alric said, as he gestured for Leo to leave his office.
"Go down to the VIP room 3 and have your sizing taken. I'll inform them of your decision before you arrive.
Also, make sure to read all the terms and conditions before you sign their contract, as they're cheeky little bastards who submit one contract to the academy, but make small changes to the one that is actually signed by you–" Alric warned, as Leo gave him a curt nod before leaving.
"Thankyou—" Leo said, as he walked out of the principal's office and made his way towards VIP room 3, where representatives from Horizon were thrilled to see him.
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 156 156: A big deal?Timeless AssassinC156 156: A big deal?
(Rodova Military Academy – VIP Room 3)
The moment Leo stepped through the polished double doors of VIP Room 3, he was immediately greeted by a flood of champagne, forced smiles, and polished shoes.
A group of well-dressed Horizon Dominion executives stood waiting, glasses raised, as their assistants unfurled a pristine white banner that read in bold silver letters — "Welcome to the Horizon Dominion Family."
It was a scene straight out of a corporate gala rather than a contract signing, as laughter filled the room, accompanied by a chorus of eager voices.
"Grandmaster Leo! Welcome! We've been waiting for you!"
"Young man, you've made the wisest decision of your life by signing with Horizon!"
"Well done, well done, Rodova's finest!"
Leo kept a blank expression, responding only with the occasional nod or brief word when prompted.
He navigated the crowd with practiced calm, yet inwardly, he was nothing short of uncomfortable. The shallow laughter, the constant stream of compliments, and the clinking of glasses felt foreign and suffocating, but he played his part without a hitch.
Within minutes, the assistants had him standing on a raised platform as they began taking his full-body measurements.
Tailors circled him like vultures, murmuring to each other while snapping notes on tablets, as they debated on what style to dress Leo in, to bring out his natural flair.
"Now, young man," one executive began as another swirled their champagne, "tell us about your preferred weapons. You're a dagger specialist from what we saw in your selection matches, yes?"
As Leo answered calmly. "Dual daggers. Around this length." He gestured with his hands.
"Weight-balanced for both melee and ranged throwing. The handle shouldn't be too grippy, or too slick — I throw them occasionally, so I need the option of a clean release, and a blade design that can travel in a straight line regardless of whether it's thrown straight, or with rotation–"
He explained, as he demonstrated the two different types of motion a dagger can undergo upon release, just to make sure that these amateurs understood what he was talking about.
And just as he expected, the executives exchanged impressed glances as if he'd just revealed some long-lost martial secret.
"Marvelous, marvelous! Quite the professional!"
"We will definitely relay your request to our consortium's TOP weaponsmith. You will find his work very commendable—"
"Joey? Did you note all that down… make sure you don't miss a word"
The executives said, as they smiled at Leo with their big eyes and fake smiles, which secretly gave Leo the ick.
"And your combat gear? We have some wonderful prototypes ready. Some with accented reds and yellows to make those sharp gray eyes of yours pop."
One of them suggested, as Leo instantly felt repulsed by the idea of being dressed in red and yellow.
"No. Black."
"I only wear black—" Leo declared, leaving no room for debate.
"Black?" One of them blinked in confusion.
"As an assassin, black suits me best." Leo doubled down, as although the Horizon company men did not seem too thrilled by his choice, they decided not to antagonise him over it anyways.
"Of course, of course! Subtlety is power! We'll make sure it's sleek, minimal, and perfect for your style!" They reassured, as another hour crawled by, filled with endless rounds of corporate chatter, shallow jokes, and self-praise disguised as conversation.
Leo maintained composure, answering questions when needed, giving technical preferences, and deflecting needless flattery without ever losing his detached calm.
Finally, after nearly two hours, one of the assistants brought out the official Horizon Dominion sponsorship contract for Leo to sign.
Without missing a beat, Leo read through every line with sharp focus, carefully comparing it to the version he had reviewed in Alric's office.
And only after he was satisfied that it was indeed untampered, did he sign it.
"I've signed the contract and filled in the details that I know of, but this section here I'm not sure of right now…," Leo said as he pointed towards the banking details section.
"I'm not sure what my account is, or if I even have one under my name–" Leo confessed, as the executive simply waved it off with a chuckle.
"No worries! We'll handle that ourselves. It's standard procedure to do a background pull and attach the correct account later. You just focus on shining for us at the circuits for now."
With that, the deal was sealed, and Leo officially became a Horizon Dominion sponsored fighter—though, in truth, the glitter never quite reached his eyes.
He felt happy to receive custom gear that would probably fit him slightly better than the Rodova Academy issued gear.
And also felt happy for the money that would help him with his life outside the academy, however, apart from that, Leo found the entire affair just tiring for now.
—-------
(Rodova Military Academy, The Mess Hall)
News about Leo receiving various sponsorship offers spread throughout the academy by afternoon, as somehow, the fact that various consortiums were waiting in line for a meeting with him were leaked in real time.
"Holy shit! Getting a private sponsorship offer from Horizon and that too as a first year? He's getting a better deal than even Yu Shen!"
"Mann, I'm so jealous. I wonder how it would feel to have countless beauties taking your measurements and flattering you with compliments as they design your fit and style—"
"Monarch Talent…. Handsome looks, and now a powerful sponsor? What doesn't this guy have?"
"God… if you're listening, please reincarnate me as Leo Skyshard in my next life. This guy has got it all!"
The students talked amongst each other, discussing Leo's sponsorship offer, as everyone felt excited for the same.
However, it wasn't until Leo walked into the mess hall that the entire place devolved into hooting and clapping, as surprisingly, him getting a sponsor seemed to elicit a bigger cheer from the Rodova crowd than him sealing his spot at the circuits.
"THERE HE IS… There is the new signee of Horizon!"
"Umm, Leo, Me and my friends wanted to congratulate you on your circuit team selection.
If you wanna visit our room tonight, the four of us will be waiting for you….. naked"
"Back off—, There's rumors he's dating the shorty Mu Ryan. Don't break the happy couple—"
"Oh he's not! Mu Ryan was caught giving a blow to Mu Shen a couple days ago, she's definitely not a couple with Su Yang or Leo as you guys make it to be"
Leo almost winced at all the clamor that erupted upon his arrival, as he gave the rowdy crowd a fake smile and a wave, before quickly filling his plate as he took his corner seat, where his familiar friends sat across from him.
"So…. Is it true?" Mu Shen was the first to ask with an excited look on his face, as Leo shrugged back in response.
"I signed with Horizon, yeah—" Leo said, as Mu Shen jumped over the table to give him a hug and a punch to his shoulders.
"You signed with Horizon? YOU SIGNED WITH HORIZON? Motherfucker, that's the dream for warriors like me, show some joy when you say it.
Show some emotion sometimes, you cold, autistic bastard!" Mu Shen said, as he shook Leo violently.
"Congratulations big brother!"
"Congratulations Skyshard, Horizon is not too bad. Not as good as my Crimson Phoenix, but not bad.
They suit your personality—"
Mu Ryan and Su Yang said, as Leo let out a small scoff.
"Thanks I guess—" he replied dryly, as unlike them, he did not think it was a big deal at all.
However, judging by how the conversation about sponsors dragged on throughout lunch, Leo realized that perhaps there was more to this than he was reading into for now.
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 157 157: Rest DayTimeless AssassinC157 157: Rest Day
The following days passed in a blur, as Leo quickly adjusted to his new routine.
Now a member of the Rodova Circuit Team, he was exempt from attending regular classes until the tournament concluded, leaving him with nothing but relentless combat practice during the day, and hours of tape analysis with the team each night.
Since both he and Su Yang were newcomers to the circuit world, they had an overwhelming backlog of footage to review — recordings of previous matches, friendly spars, and countless encounters gathered over the past year, showcasing the techniques, habits, and quirks of every major opponent they might face in the upcoming circuits.
There was no denying the value such tapes provided, as there were countless moves to catalogue, fighting styles to dissect, and technical patterns to memorize.
Yet, despite understanding the strategic edge this information could offer, Leo couldn't help but find Rodova's almost religious dependence on it unsettling.
"You see that move, Skyshard?" Enzo, the team's weakest member, pointed out enthusiastically as he replayed a particular clip for the third time. "That's called [Double Jump]. It lets the caster turn their second step into a mid-air leap after activation. The key is to watch for the blue glow beneath the soles—it's always the giveaway."
He leaned in, eyes serious. "If you ever face Matilda, be wary. She's ended dozens of fights by baiting opponents into misreading it, following up with an overhead slash to the skull."
Leo simply shook his head, unimpressed.
"What if she uses a secondary skill to simulate the blue glow? Or worse—uses an illusion technique to hide it altogether?" Leo replied, tone calm but sharp. "Yes, this information is valuable—but placing too much faith in it is no different than handing your opponent the script to your downfall."
His eyes lingered on the paused frame of the footage.
"Information is like a dagger," he continued. "Sharp when used properly, but in the hands of an amateur—it'll only end up cutting the one holding it."
Leo warned, as the other team members apart from Yu Shen and Su Yang scoffed at his words.
"We have the second coming of Captain Shen in these first years.
They don't understand the importance of tactical data!"
"Just memorize the tapes Skyshard, you'll thank us after it helps you win one of your fights—"
"You must grasp every advantage you can before a fight of this magnitude, this is more important than even the studies you do in class—"
The other team members said, as Leo let out a deep sigh but kept his mouth shut.
He was not debating the usefulness of the tapes here.
He knew they were useful himself.
However, what he was trying to warn the team about was their over-reliance on it.
As while discussing the tapes they did not even seem to be willing to discuss the various different angles where this prior information could be turned against them.
Out of the corner of his eye, Leo briefly caught Su Yang glancing at him with a subtle smirk, while Yu Shen silently nodded to himself, both clearly understanding the deeper point Leo was trying to make — even if the others were too caught up in data worship to notice.
—------
Just like that, the final day before the Rodova Military Academy Circuit Team's departure arrived, marking the beginning of their final preparations.
And on this day, as mandated not only by Captain Yu Shen but also by every instructor and staff member involved with the academy, the entire team was strictly forbidden from engaging in any form of combat practice or physical strain, as they were instead ushered toward the academy's famed massage and recovery wing for a full-body recharge, aimed at resetting them to their absolute peak.
From morning until late afternoon, each team member underwent a meticulous series of treatments, starting with a mana-infused deep tissue massage performed by specialized therapists, whose expert hands worked in tandem with mana circulation techniques to loosen even the most stubborn knots buried deep within their muscles.
Tensions they hadn't even realized they were carrying were released, as their bodies gradually unwound, leaving them feeling lighter with every passing hour.
Following the massages, the team was led into the nourishment baths — massive stone pools filled with rare herbs, monster essences, and alchemical solutions designed to rejuvenate strained muscles and replenish inner vitality. The warm liquid seeped into every pore, soaking away the residual fatigue that months of hard training had left behind.
Finally, once they were fully relaxed, the team was guided into the final phase — where professional healers carefully administered potion-based healing, followed by precise deep-tissue energy manipulation, smoothing over internal scars and micro-damage that would otherwise linger beneath the surface.
By the time Leo stood up from the last treatment, he felt as though every inch of his body had been repaired, and reforged into something brand new.
As for the first time in as long as he could remember, there was not a single muscle that felt sore, no stiffness in his joints, no lingering aches dulling his senses — only lightness, as though he could sprint across the entire academy without feeling the slightest burn.
It was as if his body had undergone a full-body servicing, leaving him sharper, cleaner, and more prepared than ever.
"Remember to sleep for at least eight good hours tonight. Sleep is crucial, and while you might feel physically relaxed after today, let me assure you—your mind is not," Yu Shen instructed firmly near the evening, as the team members dispersed toward their dorms for one final night of rest before departing for the circuits at dawn.
His words were heeded well by most, as the team, lulled by the day's recovery treatments, drifted into deep, peaceful slumbers.
However, unfortunately for Leo, peaceful sleep was a luxury he would not enjoy tonight.
That night, instead of eight hours of well-earned rest, he found himself trapped once more within a 'Ghost Sleep.'
Dragged helplessly into the fragmented memories of the past, Leo watched yet again as one of his ancestors was relentlessly hunted by a group of unknown pursuers.
Yet, this time, it wasn't the familiar silhouette of a male warrior fighting for survival.
As for a change—it was a woman who seemed to be the main character of this episode.
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 158 158: Cold SweatsTimeless AssassinC158 158: Cold Sweats
(Ghost Sleep — Leo's Perspective)
The cold, colorless fog of the ghost sleep surrounded Leo once more as he floated aimlessly within the fragmented memory of his bloodline.
Yet unlike previous visions, this one did not begin with the usual chaos or violence.
Instead, it opened with the rhythmic pounding of footsteps echoing down a dimly lit concrete corridor, its paintless walls grainy and cracking as the overhead lights flickered inconsistently.
Leo hovered silently above the ground, watching as a woman sprinted through the narrow hall, wondering for a moment how this was his first vision with a female ancestor.
Her long dark hair trailed behind her, tangled and unkempt, while her breathing came heavy and desperate.
She wasn't armored like a warrior — instead, she wore a simple, blood-stained denim jacket, the emblem on its shoulder long faded.
Yet, despite the urgency, it was her face that stirred something within Leo.
Her gentle features, strained by fear but refusing to break, felt painfully familiar. The shape of her jawline, the faint scar beneath her left eye, the way her brows furrowed with determination — all of it scraped against the walls of Leo's hollowed memory.
'Why… why does looking at her feel… wrong? No, not wrong — familiar,' Leo thought as a sharp pang gripped his chest.
His body trembled slightly, even though he had no physical form within the dream. It wasn't recognition — at least, not yet — but there was no denying the bond that bloomed, fragile yet deeply rooted, as he found himself unable to look away.
The woman wasn't alone. A middle-aged man with a thick beard ran beside her, wielding a battered automatic rifle. His steps were heavy but composed, as if he had long grown accustomed to carrying the weapon into battle.
Trailing close behind were three more — two girls and a boy, all looking to be about Leo's age.
Their faces flickered briefly under the poor lighting, but their eyes burned with determination, and in some cases, barely hidden terror.
"They're holding Leo in medicine bay three! We need to take the next left!" the young boy shouted breathlessly, guiding the group.
As Leo, still hovering invisibly, flinched at the mention of the name.
'Leo…?'
His brows furrowed.
'My name? Is this about me? Or… is Leo just another ancestor?'
The thought unsettled him.
It wasn't unheard of. The ghost sleeps had always shown him past fragments, pieces of the bloodline's harrowing history. Names repeating through the generations wasn't impossible.
And yet… the way the woman's eyes, wide with hope and desperation, seemed to echo his own unspoken fears — the way her every step screamed urgency, as if retrieving whoever was ahead meant the world to her—
The subtle warmth he felt just watching her — made him feel assured that this wasn't the same as watching the old memories of his predecessors.
This wasn't just another 'Leo.'
This time… something told him it might actually be him.
*TAP* *TAP* *TAP*
As the corridor opened a pathway to the left, the woman made a sudden turn, only to be surprised when she saw two guards standing not even twenty feet away.
"Watch out—" she screamed, but it was already too late, as one of the guards unleashed an explosive spell that blasted the entire group backward.
*BOOM*
A deafening blast erupted from the corner of the corridor, hurling the entire group like ragdolls.
The scene fractured momentarily in Leo's vision, turning to chaotic blurs as dust and debris filled the air.
The woman was thrown to the floor, her beautiful and kind face now dirtied with dust and smoke as she coughed violently while lying on the ground.
She was no warrior. She didn't have the mettle to even get back up after such a minor blow, yet she had grit. Despite having no strength to stand, she fought to sit up, checking on the welfare of the group.
When her vision steadied, she spotted two of the younger figures — the boy and one of the girls — engaged in brutal close-quarters combat, clashing swords against two black-armored guards.
Sparks flew as steel grated against steel, both young warriors fighting desperately to buy time.
The woman struggled on the ground, trembling as she tried to push herself up. Yet the instant her hand pressed against her side, she froze.
Blood.
A dark, wet warmth painted her fingers as her eyes widened in shock. The blast had sent shrapnel deep into her abdomen, and the wound wasn't shallow.
"Oh dear… oh lord…" she muttered, holding back tears. For a second, she faltered — but then, pulling herself together, she stood back up.
However, somehow, seeing her suffer like this, seeing her clutching her side while breathing ragged, Leo's entire being trembled.
A pressure built inside his chest.
His pupils narrowed, and an indescribable fury erupted within him, tearing through even [Monarch's Indifference], leaving the passive emotional suppressant useless against the storm brewing inside.
'What is this feeling—?!' Leo wondered as he knew that he had endured much worse and it couldn't just be the vision that triggered him so much.
He had seen death.
He had delivered death.
But this — this fury felt different. Hotter. Wilder. Uncontrolled.
'I don't even know her… so why—'
Yet even as he tried to convince himself, the sight of her gritting her teeth, tears barely restrained, rising to her feet despite the agony, made something deep inside him snap.
And then—
"I must… save Leo… I must save my baby boy," the woman whispered to herself, dragging her body forward despite the blood dripping onto the metal floor beneath her.
As hearing those words, Leo's breath hitched.
The words struck him like a hammer.
And just like that—
The memories returned.
The faded edges sharpened.
The fragments pieced themselves together.
The childhood spent playing in sunlit streets, the warm meals prepared by her trembling hands, the late nights when she cradled him to sleep, the gentle songs she hummed when he was sick.
She wasn't just some woman.
She was his mother.
Elena Skyshard.
And the others…
The middle-aged man with the rifle — his father.
The young man — his brother.
The pretty woman with the sword — his sister-in-law.
And the other girl in oil-stained overalls — his girlfriend.
'That's my family.'
Leo stood there, frozen in mid-air, unable to breathe as reality crushed him.
'That's… my family.'
Tears threatened to leak, but he forced them back.
Powerless, he could only watch as Elena, refusing to falter, pressed forward, leaving a thin trail of crimson behind her, step by agonizing step, as the group rounded another corner.
But what greeted them next caused Leo's heart to sink even further.
Because as they turned into the next hall, their troubles only seemed to worsen, as dozens of black-armored soldiers stood ready, rifles aimed, expressions hidden behind visors.
'They can't win against this many—!' Leo thought, as panic flooded his system.
Instinctively, he reached forward, desperate to break through whatever force held him in this ghostly state.
"Let me in! LET ME IN!" he roared, yet no matter how he struggled, his limbs remained immaterial, like smoke.
Helpless.
He could only scream silently as the group he now remembered as his family prepared to fight an unwinnable battle.
And as he desperately tried to manifest, to reach them, reality tore him away —
—and he awoke.
*GASP!*
Gasping, and drenched in cold sweat, his hands clenched tight enough to draw blood.
His chest rose and fell rapidly as he stared blankly at the ceiling of his dorm.
Tears slipped down his cheeks unnoticed.
He finally remembered.
He finally knew.
'They were looking for me.'
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 159 159: ConfrontationTimeless AssassinC159 159: Confrontation
(Rodova Military Academy, Teachers' Dorm Wing)
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
The metallic door rattled violently beneath Leo's fist, each blow echoing down the dim, silent hallway, as if the entire dormitory could collapse under his fury.
Muiyan Faye flung the door open, her cold eyes flashing with irritation at being disturbed at this hour, but the second she saw Leo, her breath caught, as instinctive caution gripped her.
Leo stood there like a feral beast — hair disheveled, breathing ragged, and eyes wild, as though he had just returned from a battlefield drenched in blood.
"What in the— Why are you banging on my door at this hour, Cadet? Have you lost your—"
Leo didn't let her finish, as his hand surged forward, pressing against her chest, forcing her back into the room without ceremony, as his hoarse voice trembled.
"My family... are they even alive?"
Faye stumbled back a step as the door slammed shut behind Leo, her initial anger giving way to genuine concern, as the sheer desperation in his voice told her this wasn't just a passing nightmare.
For the first time since meeting him, Leo did not look composed to her today.
He wasn't cold, nor was he just angry, as he seemed to be genuinely broken.
"What do you mean? Of course they're alive—" Faye began, attempting to dismiss Leo's panic as if it were a mere misunderstanding, but Leo swiftly raised a finger, cutting her off with a glare sharp enough to silence her.
"I saw it… I had a ghost sleep, so don't fuck with me, Faye," Leo snarled, his voice trembling not with fear, but with rage barely contained. "Tell me the truth about my family, or I swear I will never trust you again."
Faye stood stunned, her throat tightening, as the words of the Evil Cult Elder echoed in her mind.
'Once he reaches the Grandmaster stage… his memories will begin to resurface—'
She had been warned, yet the moment still shook her. 'So it happened exactly as the elder foresaw… he regained pieces of it, and now he's standing here, demanding answers,' she thought bitterly, letting out a deep, defeated sigh.
"You told me I took this mission to protect my family. You told me I'm doing all this to keep them safe. Then you better come clean right now, Faye," Leo pressed on, stepping closer as veins bulged in his clenched fists, his aura unsteady, "because I saw them staring death in the face."
Faye lifted her hands subtly, attempting to calm the tension.
"I'm not toying with you, Leo. Your family is alive. Listen carefully. Did you actually see them die?" she asked carefully, her voice softer, more deliberate.
Leo froze for a brief second, his breath hitching.
"N-no… I didn't see them die. But I saw them charge into a hall full of enemies stronger than them. There's no way they survived. But… I— I'm not sure," Leo admitted, clutching his head, his breathing ragged as the tears threatening to spill clung stubbornly to the corners of his eyes.
For the first time, Leo realized how ineffective [Monarch's Indifference] was when it came to memories of his family, as no matter how deeply rooted the skill was, it could not dull the emotions that surged from his primal core.
And although the skill did provide him with pockets of clarity, where he stabilized for a few moments and his mind rationalised, he quickly fell into the same slump when another wave of emotions hit him like a truck.
"They're alive, Leo," Faye said softly, carefully choosing her words. "Breathing and safe… at least for now."
Leo's throat closed up, trembling as his mind spiraled.
He was relieved they were alive. But now that he knew they were alive, there were a dozen other questions that popped up in his head, which he wanted immediate answers to.
"Do they still think about me?"
"Do they even know I'm alive?"
"Do they want to meet me?"
His voice cracked more with each question, as his fists trembled, barely keeping himself upright.
"You were in danger. Your family came to rescue you. You are lucky to have such a family, Skyshard. But don't forget—they are also lucky to have you." Faye said, stepping forward as her expression softened ever so slightly.
"The mission you're on now is for their safety and for your own redemption. None of this is trivial. None of this is meaningless. That much I can promise you."
Leo's throat closed up, as clarity returned to his head once again, with [Monarch's Indifference] getting a hold of him.
"When you say they're alive for now…. You mean they are still in some form of danger, aren't they?"
Leo asked, his breath quickening, as he caught onto a minor detail in Faye's words.
"Yes, they're still in danger. Hunted by the same forces that once imprisoned you. But they're being protected by my organization." Faye replied, as Leo's eyes widened in surprise.
"If they are in danger, then I must save them— Where are they? Who is hunting them? Which organisation do you belong to?" Leo asked desperately, as although he knew deep down that he wasn't supposed to know these answers, somehow he still couldn't help but ask them anyway.
As listening to his words Faye's heart wavered just for a moment, but she soon shook her head in denial.
"I can't give you those answers Leo, I'm sorry… but I think you already know why."
She spoke calmly, but it hurt all the same.
"If I return them now, every sacrifice you've made, every hardship you've endured so far will be wasted. Worse—your family will never be truly safe."
"You're doing everything you are right now for them. And I promise you it's not without good reason—"
"I can't give you your memories back for now, but once you're officially part of the Black Serpents Guild, I will return everything. Every memory. Painful and sweet. But until then, you have to endure."
She stepped back slightly.
"So if you want them back quickly, just kick ass at the circuits this year and win like it's nobody's business.
Win!
And get scouted into the black serpents as a first year. And you will have your memories back within 2 months.
But until then, I'm sorry I can't–" Faye said, as Leo nodded in understanding.
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Show menu Novel BinNovel Timeless Assassin Chapter 160 160: ArrivingTimeless AssassinC160 160: Arriving
(Rodova Military Academy, Next Morning, The Transport Bay)
Leo wasn't all smiles and chuckles like the rest of the team the next morning, as unlike them, he had not enjoyed a peaceful sleep.
Instead, he remained calm and composed, as though the events of the previous night had firmly reminded him of what was truly at stake at the circuits.
His family was out there—waiting, hoping, perhaps suffering—and just recalling the hell they had endured to save him, Leo finally understood why he was doing all of this.
'Mother… Please stay safe. I'm doing my best—' Leo thought to himself, as he quietly boarded the transport vehicle that was set to carry the entire team to the circuits.
Onboard the ship, apart from the ten-man team, Rodova Military Academy had dispatched a small supporting entourage — six medical staff, four doctors, Professor David, Instructor Hen, and Instructor Muiyan Faye.
David and Faye were to act as the official chaperones for the trip, their task being to ensure the team remained disciplined and didn't end up doing something idiotic that could cost them a disqualification.
While Hen was the academy representative, he had the final authority on every decision, and his words carried the most weight at the circuits.
Ideally, Principal Alric was also supposed to join them. However, Alric, just like the Principal of Geneva, always came to the circuits a couple days late, after stupid formalities such as opening ceremony and the preliminary fights were over.
—---------
Every year, the Interstellar Circuits were hosted at the same neutral venue — the legendary Sky-God Arena, a colossal structure suspended within the asteroid belt of the twin-star system Vetrax Sol.
The arena itself wasn't just enormous in scale — capable of comfortably seating over 500,000 live spectators — but was also a technological marvel beyond comparison.
At first glance, it resembled a metallic lotus, with curved petals extending outward from a towering central spire, orbiting serenely above the glowing suns.
But what truly made the Sky-God Arena special, was not its seating capacity, nor its location, but the battlefield it held within.
Beneath its polished combat floor were hundreds of meticulously crafted modular layers, each functioning as a fully independent stage, stacked one atop another, capable of being raised, lowered, or rearranged depending on the match.
Some layers were simple open fields, others were dense forests, desert ruins, flooded lakes, steep cliffs, or even artificially created gravity zones.
Every fight was a gamble, not only against your opponent, but against the very terrain beneath your feet.
A button press could make the battlefield crumble, shift, or emerge into a new configuration, forcing fighters to adapt instantly, as no two fights were ever guaranteed to be the same, right up till the semi finals.
—----------
As the Rodova Circuit Team's transport ship landed smoothly inside the arena's vast docking bay, they were greeted immediately by a squad of stern-faced Universal Government Officials, clad in their standard ivory uniforms and adorned with golden emblems.
They saluted and performed a brief inspection, as was customary for all arriving teams, before allowing the Rodova squad to disembark into the designated team sector.
Leo followed silently, taking in his surroundings, as massive cargo shuttles, supply ships, and dozens of other academy transports filled the interconnected hangars like a mechanical hive.
The air around him smelled faintly of fuel and mana-infused machinery, which was quite a pleasant smell to take in for him, however, he found Minerva pinching her nose for the same.
Unlike him, she seemed to dislike the smell of fuel and machines, as she seemed to be clearly repulsed by the same.
'What happens when she someday visits an actual smithy?' Leo wondered, as he shook his head in disappointment.
Soon, the team arrived at the accommodations wing, where apart from their empty team villa, all the surrounding accommodations seemed to already be packed to capacity.
Every luxury hotel, private inn, and temporary lodging facility built into the orbiting satellites and asteroids seemed to have been fully booked months in advance.
Thousands of nobles, corporate elites, aristocrats, and influencers had already arrived, bringing with them families, attendants, and even private security detachments.
Attending the circuits wasn't merely a sporting event—it was an event of power, a status symbol for the Federation's rich and influential.
For many families, the Circuits were treated as a ten-day festival, a vacation, and a business trip all at once.
Those with season passes could watch every match live, attend post-battle social events, sponsor teams, buy merchandise, and even participate in exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with the competing fighters.
For the younger generation, it was a chance to witness living legends and perhaps become their fanatics.
While for the older generation, it was a critical networking opportunity, where guild leaders, consortium representatives, and high-ranking military officials mingled, negotiated, and formed alliances behind the scenes.
Leo could see it even now, as from the arena's docking bay windows, the bustling floating platforms swarmed with guests — some draped in silk robes worth more than an average citizen's yearly wage, others accompanied by mechanical servants or private mercenary guards.
And amidst it all, floating like a king above commoners, was the Sky-God Arena itself, prepared to host yet another year of blood, pride, and spectacle.
"Stop gawking and come inside Skyshard, unless you want someone with a diagnosis skill to get a reading on all your body attributes—" Yu Shen nudged, as he urged Leo to get inside the team villa at once.
"Alright–" Leo replied as obeying the captain's command, he entered the team villa, which was a luxurious 7 BHK housing, with a private pool and a built-in sauna room.
"The three rooms on the ground floor are for us three elders.
You kids can settle into the rooms above.
There's nothing scheduled for the next hour, however, after that we have to report for the opening ceremony, so change into your team jackets and meet me back here in 40 minutes.
Is that clear?" Hen instructed, as everyone replied with a 'Yes Sir' and scrambled to get settled in their rooms.
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