Julian Arkwright climbed the enormous tree and reached the tree house where the youngest Little Robber was supposed to be staying.
He opened the wooden door and stepped inside.
The tree house was quiet.
There was almost nothing inside.
Then Julian noticed a little boy sleeping on the ground.
Julian stopped.
His eyes widened.
Not because the child was sleeping on the floor.
But because Julian knew him.
"How…"
"How is he here?"
The little boy suddenly moved.
"Huhh…"
He slowly opened his eyes.
"Hey… Big Brother?"
The child rubbed his eyes.
"Is it you?"
But after clearing his eyes, he realized the person standing before him wasn't one of his brothers.
The child's eyes immediately changed.
They became dark purple.
"You…"
His voice became hostile.
"How dare you!"
The child grabbed a wooden chair and rushed toward Julian.
"Hey!"
Julian didn't attack.
The child swung the chair at him.
CRACK!
The chair broke against Julian.
The child stared at the broken pieces.
"You…"
Julian calmly raised his hands.
"Stop it, please."
"I didn't come here to kill you."
"And I don't want to harm you."
"So please, calm down."
But the child's dark-purple eyes remained fixed on Julian.
Then Julian remembered something.
Something that had happened two months earlier.
Two Months Ago
Julian was sitting inside the bar of the Assassin Club.
He had been unusually quiet recently.
After everything that had happened with Zavinies and his conversation with Black ViSage, he had spent several days thinking about his life.
Then someone approached him.
"Hello, Sir Julian."
Julian looked over.
It was Benson.
"How are you?"
Julian answered calmly.
"Huhh…"
"I'm fine."
Benson sat nearby.
"I didn't see you in the Assassin Club for three days."
"Yeah."
"I didn't come here during those three days."
Julian looked at Benson's face.
Then he noticed something.
"But tell me…"
"Who hit your nose and eyes?"
Benson touched his face.
"Ahh…"
"Recently, a Junior Thief named Roroan Barganise punched me."
Julian raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"I gave him a beer in a small glass."
Benson sighed.
"I didn't fight back because that Junior Thief has an older brother who is a Hidden Shadow Rank Assassin."
"He told me he'll make my life hell."
Julian nodded.
"Ooh."
"So that's the situation."
Before Benson could say anything else—
A voice came from behind them.
"Huhh."
"Finally, I have someone to beat."
It was Roroan Barganise.
He looked directly at Benson.
"Hey, Benson."
Benson didn't answer.
He was more interested in speaking with Julian, who was clearly a far more important person within the Assassin Club.
Roroan became angry.
"Hey!"
"Didn't you hear me?"
"Why didn't you answer me?"
He walked toward Benson and raised his fist.
Benson immediately closed his eyes.
He knew he couldn't defeat even a low-ranking Assassin.
But before Roroan could strike—
Julian caught his fist with one hand.
Effortlessly.
Roroan froze.
Julian looked at him.
"Hey, you."
"I'm talking with Benson."
"So why are you trying to interrupt us?"
Roroan stared at Julian.
"You…"
"Who are you to stop me?"
Julian sighed.
"Huhh…"
"You're lucky I'm not in the mood to kill."
With one hand, Julian threw Roroan aside.
Roroan hit the floor and immediately realized the difference in strength.
No…
This isn't good.
He's stronger than me.
He became worried.
If I lose here, my reputation will be ruined.
Roroan tried to stand.
But then he sensed something.
A terrifying aura.
His body became tense.
He instinctively understood something.
If I fight this man…
I might not survive.
Suddenly—
A Dark Shade Rank Assassin approached and struck Roroan on the head.
"Huhh."
"Are you trying to die?"
"How do you have so much courage to be rude to a Dark Shade Rank Assassin?"
The Dark Shade then looked toward Julian.
"Hey, Sir Julian."
"Please give that guy to me."
"I recently lost my slaves, so I don't have anyone to entertain myself with."
"Can I have him?"
Julian didn't seem interested.
"Yeah, you can."
"I'm not interested in him."
Julian simply wanted some peace.
Recently, he had experienced a strange dream.
In that dream, Zavinies had told him to leave the Assassin Club and become a better person.
The dream had affected Julian deeply.
For about a week, he had become unusually calm.
Roroan's expression changed when he realized what he had done.
"You're…"
"Sir Julian?"
"I didn't know you were a Dark Shade Rank Assassin."
Julian looked at him.
"Huhh."
"Get lost."
"And don't show me your face again."
"I don't want to see a skeleton dog like you."
Roroan was terrified.
He knew that Dark Shade Rank Assassins were not known for showing mercy.
But Julian didn't kill him.
He hadn't even inflicted serious damage.
The Dark Shade Assassin then looked at Roroan.
"Hey, you dog."
"Come with me."
Roroan turned around.
"I'm not—"
He stopped.
The person standing behind him was Amagiri Sayuki.
Roroan immediately became nervous.
His older brother worked under Sayuki.
His voice became much quieter.
"Hello, Miss Sayuki."
Sayuki looked at him.
"Huhhh."
"Hey, dog."
"Don't talk like that."
"You're supposed to shout."
She paused.
"However, you're a new dog."
"So you don't know how to behave yet."
"Come with me."
"I'll teach you how to become a proper and obedient dog."
Roroan became frightened.
"Please don't call me that."
Sayuki calmly replied,
"Don't worry."
"If you refuse…"
"I'll kill you here."
Roroan immediately surrendered.
"Okay."
"I'll be your dog."
Sayuki smiled.
"Good."
"Such an obedient dog."
She left the Assassin Club with Roroan.
After Sayuki disappeared, another man approached Julian.
"Hello, Sir Julian."
Julian looked at him.
"My name is Orvin Lonrinovt."
"Can I have your time?"
Julian sighed.
"Huhh…"
"Sorry, but I don't want to do anything right now."
Orvin quickly replied,
"Please, Sir."
"At least listen to my offer."
Julian thought for a moment.
"Huhh…"
"Okay."
"Tell me the job and its price."
Orvin began explaining.
"The job is simple."
"You need to kill a man named Tean Lonrinovt."
Julian noticed the surname.
"Your last name is Lonrinovt."
"And my target's last name is also Lonrinovt."
"Huhh…"
"Sounds like a family conflict."
"However, I don't care."
"Tell me his location."
Orvin answered,
"Sora West Mountain."
"There is only one house there."
"Tean lives there with his family."
Julian considered it.
"Huh."
"Sounds like a simple job."
"You should give it to a normal Assassin."
Orvin shook his head.
"No, Sir Julian."
"You don't understand."
"Sorry for my rudeness."
"But Tean is an extremely powerful swordsman."
"A normal Assassin wouldn't be capable of killing him."
Julian nodded.
"Huhh."
"Okay."
"I understand."
"So what are you offering?"
Orvin answered immediately.
"One hundred gold coins."
Julian's eyes became serious.
That's a very good offer.
I should take it.
He had not accepted a job for three days.
His finances weren't particularly strong at the moment.
And one hundred gold coins was an excellent payment.
Julian nodded.
"Okay."
"I'll do the job tomorrow."
Orvin bowed.
"Thank you, Sir Julian."
He left the Assassin Club.
Julian prepared himself for the mission.
Sora West Mountain
The following day, Julian arrived at Sora West Mountain.
As he looked around, he noticed something unusual.
The area resembled an old Chinese-style settlement.
There were traditional Chinese gates, mountain structures, and temple-like buildings scattered around the area.
Julian frowned.
Huhh.
Lonrinovt is typically a Western-style surname.
So why is someone from that family living in a place like this?
Julian climbed another mountain.
He wanted to attack Tean from long range.
Eventually, he found the house.
Julian took out his binoculars.
He carefully observed the target.
Tean was training with a sword in front of his wife and child.
Julian remembered Orvin's information.
His wife is Xao Qing.
She's Chinese.
However, I only need to kill Tean.
Julian took out his bow.
He carefully aimed at Tean.
Then—
He released the arrow.
The arrow flew toward Tean.
Julian thought,
That was simple.
But suddenly—
Clang!
Tean swung his sword.
The arrow was cut apart before reaching him.
Tean immediately became alert.
"Who is there?"
Julian instantly disappeared from sight.
Tean looked toward the direction the arrow had come from.
The East Mountain.
Julian thought,
Ooh.
Orvin was right.
This man really is a powerful swordsman.
Tean turned toward his family.
"Xao."
"Take Yein inside."
"Hide somewhere safe."
Xao became worried.
"But you—"
"Please."
"Don't ask me questions."
"When this is over, we'll talk."
Xao nodded.
"Okay."
Four-year-old Yein Lonrinovt looked confused.
"Mother…"
"Father…"
"What happened?"
Xao took him inside.
Julian watched from the mountain.
Ooh.
I shouldn't underestimate him.
Tean also began analyzing the situation.
The person targeting me is a professional.
He knows exactly how to attack.
Tean moved into the bushes around his garden.
He focused on sensing his opponent.
He's somewhere on the East Mountain.
But I can't determine his exact location.
Julian watched silently.
Hmm.
He has patience.
Julian finally decided to approach directly.
But before he moved—
Tean suddenly looked toward him.
Several rocks suddenly flew toward Julian.
Julian dodged them.
Hey.
He has good analysis too.
Tean held his sword.
"Hey, you!"
"Who gave you orders to kill me?"
"You're an Assassin."
"Am I right?"
Julian's eyes narrowed.
Hmm.
His analysis is really good.
Julian suddenly disappeared from the mountain.
Tean looked around.
I didn't feel his presence.
Meanwhile, inside the house, Xao and Yein were hiding in a storage room.
Yein whispered,
"Mother…"
"Why are we hiding?"
"Where is Father?"
Xao placed a hand near him.
"Your father has something to do."
"When he finishes, we'll meet him."
Yein nodded, although he still looked worried.
Outside, Tean remained alert.
This man isn't a normal Assassin.
Suddenly—
Julian attacked.
Tean immediately dodged the dagger.
"Why are you targeting me?"
Julian answered simply.
"No reason."
Tean rushed forward.
His sword moved at incredible speed.
Julian blocked the attacks with his dagger.
Their weapons collided repeatedly.
Then Julian cast a spell.
Demon Pressure.
A strange magical force spread through the area, slowing movement within its range.
Julian looked at Tean.
"Sorry."
"But this is an assassination."
"It's not a duel."
Julian suddenly rushed forward.
His dagger aimed for Tean's neck.
But Tean reacted immediately.
Clang!
He blocked the attack with his sword.
Julian stepped back.
He was genuinely surprised.
Killing isn't easy.
He hadn't expected Tean to block that attack.
Julian looked at him.
"I didn't expect someone could block that attack of mine."
Tean smiled faintly.
"Huhh."
"So…"
"Are you thinking about giving up?"
Julian shook his head.
"Huhh."
"Never."
Their battle continued.
Julian studied Tean's swordsmanship.
Huhh…
His skills…
Orvin said Tean can't use magic because he has no mystical energy
But his swordsmanship is incredible.
If someone like this could also use magic, he'd become even more dangerous.
And he's already dangerous enough.
Tean also noticed something.
This man isn't fighting me with his full power.
Why?
Is he underestimating me?
Julian suddenly spoke.
"So you're really a good swordsman."
"But unfortunately…"
"I don't have much time to continue a battle like this."
Tean tightened his grip.
"Huhhh?"
Julian activated his Ember Loops.
Then he cast—
Age Consumer.
Suddenly, Tean saw multiple versions of Julian.
One.
Two.
Three.
His eyes tried to identify the real one.
But Julian moved.
Tean attacked the correct target.
Julian dodged.
Then the effects of Age Consumer began taking their toll.
Tean's body rapidly aged.
His movements became slower.
His strength gradually disappeared.
Tean realized the truth.
I can't win against this monster.
He finally stopped.
"Huhh…"
"I lost."
"You win."
"But please…"
"Can I ask you one thing?"
"Please don't kill my wife and child."
"Forgive them."
Julian looked at him.
"Huhhh…"
"Sorry."
"You're strong."
"But only in combat."
Tean had become an old man.
Julian cut off Tean's head.
Julian ended the battle.
Then he quietly said,
"Huhh…"
"That took a long time."
"As for your request…"
"I'll honor it."
"Don't worry."
"I won't kill your family."
Julian looked at Tean.
This man is an example of what hard work and training can achieve.
He surprised me again and again.
Then Julian looked toward the house.
"Hey, woman."
"How long are you going to watch me from the window?"
Xao immediately became frightened.
She disappeared from the window and returned to the storage room.
Yein looked at her.
"Mother?"
"What's wrong?"
"Why did you go near the window?"
"Where is Father?"
Xao remained silent.
Julian approached the house.
He had obtained his target's proof.
But he remembered Tean's final request.
He didn't want to disrespect a warrior who had fought to protect his family.
Julian entered the house.
"Hey, woman."
"Hey, woman. I took your husband's head to prove to my client that I killed my target."
"I'll show it to my client."
"After that, I'll return it."
"If you want, you can also take your husband's body."
He paused.
"Huhh."
"I know you're hiding in the storage room."
"Come out."
"I already told you."
"I didn't kill you."
Yein heard Julian's words.
He was shocked.
He stepped out of the storage room.
Xao immediately tried to stop him.
"Yein!"
But she couldn't stop him.
Yein stood before Julian.
"Hey, you!"
"What did you do to my father?"
"How dare you!"
The boy rushed forward and attacked Julian.
Julian easily avoided the attack and knocked Yein down without seriously harming him.
Yein fell onto the floor.
He was in pain, but conscious.
Xao immediately ran toward her son.
"Please!"
"I beg you!"
"Don't kill my child!"
"If you want to kill someone, kill me!"
"Please forgive my child!"
"I'll do anything!"
Julian looked at her.
"Huhh."
"What are you talking about?"
"I already told you."
"I didn't come here to kill you or your child."
He looked at Yein.
"And you…"
"You're lucky."
"I promised your father that I wouldn't kill you or your mother."
"If you want revenge…"
"Come back after you've become stronger."
Julian looked into Yein's eyes.
There was something in them.
Determination.
Anger.
A desire for revenge.
Julian remembered that expression.
Those eyes…
They won't forget this.
Julian turned around and left the house.
The Assassin Club
Later, Julian returned to the Assassin Club.
He met Orvin in the bar section.
Julian presented the proof of the completed mission.
Orvin looked at it.
"Huhh…"
"I can tell it's Tean."
"But why did he become so old?"
Julian answered calmly.
"I used a spell on him."
"If you don't believe it's Tean, check for yourself."
Orvin nodded.
"Yes."
"I know it's him."
"I was just curious about what happened."
Then he smiled.
"And you're really impressive, Sir Julian."
"You completed the job."
Julian simply replied,
"Huh."
"Now give me my payment."
"Of course."
Orvin handed Julian 100 gold coins.
"Here you are."
"Thank you, Sir Julian."
Then Orvin looked at the proof.
"Now please give me Tean's head."
Julian's eyes became cold.
"Huhh?"
"What are you talking about?
"Why would I give Tean's head to you?"
Orvin became confused.
"Ah…"
"I think this head is useless to you."
Julian shook his head.
"No."
"It's not."
I already promised someone that I would give them the head."
Orvin frowned.
"Excuse me, Sir Julian."
"I gave you the full payment."
"So there shouldn't be any reason for us to have a conflict."
Julian looked directly at him.
"So what?"
"You paid me because I completed your job."
"You didn't give me the money for free."
His eyes became cold.
"I think I've been too formal with you."
"Don't make me regret that."
Orvin immediately realized Julian had no hesitation about fighting him.
He quickly lowered his tone.
"Okay, okay."
"Sorry for my rudeness."
Julian's expression relaxed.
"It's okay."
"I forgive you."
"Just this once."
Then Julian called someone.
"Brad Mikkar."
A man responsible for cleaning inside the Assassin Club immediately appeared.
Brad looked terrified.
A Dark Shade Rank Assassin had called him.
Julian looked at him.
"Hey."
"Why are your legs shaking?"
Brad immediately denied it.
"No, no!"
"My legs aren't shaking."
Julian looked at him.
"So you're telling me I'm lying?"
Brad became even more nervous.
"No!"
"I didn't mean that!"
Julian then noticed Celixsa.
"Hey, Celixsa."
Celixsa looked over.
"Ohh, Julian."
"You're here."
"I just finished my class at Louf Magnian Academy."
"I didn't expect to see you here."
"You told me you didn't want to take assassination jobs for a week."
Julian sighed.
"Huhh."
"I changed my mind."
"If I stop working completely, one day I might quit the job."
"And I don't want that."
Celixsa sat at the bar.
"Hey, Benson."
"Give me a Pink Platinum."
Benson nodded.
"Okay, Miss Celixsa."
Celixsa then noticed Brad.
"Hey, Julian."
"Why is this trash here?"
She looked at Brad.
"Hey, trash."
"Go somewhere else."
"Don't come here looking like that."
Brad remained silent.
Julian interrupted.
"Ahh."
"Wait, Celixsa."
"I called him here for a reason."
"Please don't send him away."
He turned toward Brad.
"Hey, Brad."
Julian handed him a box (Tean's Head) containing the proof from Tean's mission.
"Send this box to Sora West Mountain."
"There's only one house there."
"Give it to the owner of that house."
Brad looked at the box nervously.
"Sir…"
"What is inside?"
Julian's voice became cold.
"You don't need to know."
Brad immediately lowered his head.
"Sorry, Sir."
Celixsa waved toward him.
"Hey, trash."
"Leave and do your job."
Julian added,
"Brad, this job needs to be completed within three hours."
"Now go."
Brad nodded quickly.
"Okay."
He took the box and left.
Present
The memory ended.
Julian stood inside the tree house.
The little boy stared at him with dark-purple eyes.
Julian finally understood why the child looked familiar.
The boy was Yein Lonrinovt.
The son of Tean Lonrinovt.
The same child whose father Julian had killed two months ago.
Yein's eyes trembled with anger.
"You bastard…"
"You destroyed my family."
"You destroyed my happiness."
"I'll never forget you."
His small hands clenched.
"I'll kill you."
"I will kill you!"
Julian didn't answer.
He simply stared into Yein's dark-purple eyes.
Those were the same eyes he had seen two months ago.
But now…
They were filled with hatred toward him.