The battle was on. Viers and his apprentice threw their hat into the ring.

As soon as it began, a Level 3 Pathseeker had his head charred black by lightning. His brain was fried and he was dead.

Or so Viers expected to happen.

“Ho, you’re still alive.”

According to circumstances, it should be safe to say that the gang was from the Assassin Guild, also known as Bone Ravens in some circles. Members of the cult were worshipers of the Devil God of Darkness, Banbenxi.

Not any run-of-the-mill hitmen could rise in the cult’s murderous environment. The fact that Viers' strike only eviscerated half of his face was proof of his ability. His Unreality Field was just barely able to preserve his life. His next course of action was correct too. He immediately retreated without delay after sensing the difference in power.

And yet, Viers killed him all the same with a second thunderbolt. Viers wasn't the sort of guy that let his target go by blabbering his mouth. Sometimes against an overwhelming difference in power, there was nothing you could do.

Viers always killed because he had a reason to. Reducing the number of enemies and getting the precious human soul would do wonders for his future prospects. He sneakily gathered the souls of Gram’s subordinates that Alfred killed too.

Wasting food was unwise and ungrateful.

He put much effort into his collecting skill -Subtle Soul Gravity Arte- so he could do this without others knowing. It was a bit of a heresy in the eyes of the majority of people after all. He still didn't have the strength to do it openly so he was being stealthy. It was only a crime if you got caught. Even the Level 4s didn't notice.

Boram killed one while the other Level 2 escaped, he only lost one hand against Viers’ disciple.

The remaining of Gram’s men were regrouping behind the Level 4 while the prince’s guardian was back at his liege’s side, showing much concern and checking that he was okay.

Boram, on the other hand, was facing the assassins holding the warhammer Bone Crusher, but he was giving Viers a sideways glance.

Since when can Master Avel use lightning? Isn't he a water Pathseeker? Was it an item…? No, that does not seem to be the case.

He saw the lightning come from Viers’ palm and not from some trinket. His master sometimes used magic items, usually things that caught his fancy after he defeated the former owner. But after using them a few times, he no longer used them. The reason being those ordinary magic items were much weaker than Master’s own Artes so their usefulness lessened greatly in his master’s eyes.

Boram thought maybe his master gained a second affinity. He’d heard that was possible. Straight out lightning 5, considering the potency of the lightning attack he saw earlier. He didn't think it was ridiculous at all. His master was too unfathomable in Boram’s eyes.

“I’m okay, Alfred. They saved me.”

“Thank the gods you’re safe, my prince. I’m sorry you were in any danger at all. It’s all because of my incompetence!”

Seeing his plot had failed, Gram was pretty annoyed.

“Aaa aaah, that's it then. Hey you! Yeah you two,” Gram pointed at Viers and Boram with his weapon. “You just cost me a ridiculous amount of money and the lives of my men. Give me one good reason I shouldn't cut your head off.”

“Gram, was it?” Viers cocked his head. “Are you stronger than Lykin the Lighteater?”

“...What’s it to you?” Gram wasn't expecting he heard that question from the Level 3 stranger that posed as a Level 2. “You got beef with her or something?”

“Kind of,” Viers remembered the deal he made with the female assassin that targeted Ciel and took her blood. “Well?”

“Never met her but I know the name. Of course I'm stronger,” Gram said with a grunt.

“...No you’re not,” Viers said after seconds of silence, as if he had measured and weighed a fish from a fish shop.

Gram bulged a vein. “That’s it, you’re going to die. Your fault for being smug.”

“Well then,” Viers turned to Alfred. “I’ll be counting on you to handle the Level 4 brute, good sir. We’ll handle the others.”

Viers said it with a big wide smile.

“Huh? After all that talk I thought you were going to fight him!” Alfred said.

“How can I? I’m just a lowly Level 3, as you can see.”

“You were Level 2 earlier!”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“So suddenly I should be a Level 4?” Viers tried to look surprised. “That’s my wish too but the world is not so convenient.”

“Enough of this farce!” the ridiculous banter enraged Gram and he charged. “Dark Shadow Formation!”

The men under him got into formation and invoked some sort of Arte, a group type.

“Young Lord, get back!”

“I’ll be fine,” Croix raised his barrier again. This time enveloping the black spear near his feet. The lock was now inside the safe. “All of you, be careful.”

The two top powerhouses clashed again, without enclosing themselves in a Domain this time. The remaining five enemies were cloaked in a dark aura and their power increased quite a bit but Viers and Boram stepped up to meet them head-on.

Viers was not using water or his sword, instead, he stood behind Boram and slung ranged Artes like a mage. When the enemy managed to slip past Boram, Viers repelled them with an electric barrier. In the eyes of enemies and allies, he certainly wasn't an amateur utilizing lightning.

Even though it was Boram’s first time seeing his master using the lightning element, their coordination wasn't hampered. His role didn't change and his master’s follow-ups were spot on. Those five felt like they were trying to push through an iron electric wall with their naked bodies. A futile effort.

Flashy as the Level 3s’ fight might be, it was pale in comparison with the clash of light and darkness of the two Level 4 combatants. Alfred was launching lances of darkness that struck out from Gram’s shadows while Gram was counterattacking with his three globes of light that shot laser beams.

The battle went on, the intensity made the roaring winds of the storm all around them seem insignificant. Gram and Alfred were equal but the five were not the master-disciple’s match, yet they were still able to put up a good fight.

It was because they were burning their life force.

Croix feared for the two. “Watch out! They’re using a Forbidden Arte!”

Not only that, they were using some dangerous doping drug, injecting a syringe of suspicious liquid into their necks. As a result their movement didn't seem human anymore and the sense of pain seemed to be gone from their brains.

“Oi oi,” Viers sighed. “You're all gonna die, ya know?”

“TarGet… mUsT… DiE…” said one guy while puking blood and bloodshot eyes.

“This is why I don't like fanatics,” a focused lightning emerged from Viers’ index and middle fingers.

The man had a hole between his eyes and fell dead. With their numbers decreasing, the likelihood they would get to Croix was plummeting further. Gram was sending side attacks towards Viers and Boram during the fight but Alfred always swatted them down before reaching the pair.

And then the Level 4s injured each other. They exchanged hits at the same time.

“Damn it all! Retreat!”

With Gram’s command, the assassins scattered and ran into the storm.

“Stay!”

Boram tried to give chase. His hammer was about to land on a guy. But he missed because the target seemed to sink into his own shadow. It was an Arte that Viers knew very well, Fade in Shadow Arte.

Viers didn't give chase. It wasn't impossible but it would be a bit difficult with the storm and all. Besides, they had a Level 4. As much as Viers loathed to miss the chance to procure human souls, he got a working brain.

The greedy part of him urged him to try anyway. Gram was injured and he was strong. He might have a chance to gain a precious Level 4 soul. It was certainly not impossible.

Naaah… Not today.

“Alfred!”

Exhaling in relief after the enemies had left, Croix dispelled his barrier and worriedly ran to his guardian who was lying on the ground with a dagger lodged deep into his thigh. Viers deduced the prince must value his protector very much.

“Young Lord, watch out!”

A projectile went toward Croix, straight to his head. Alfred was injured so he was unable to react in time while Boram wasn't able to react at all.

Viers stopped the arrow in time, catching it by the shaft. The arrowhead dripped with a potent poison. With Euryale Sight, he saw a retreating hidden assassin that was invisible. Possibly that guy had lain hidden since the start.

Close one…

“T-thank you very much,” Croix said with a slightly trembling voice. He had a brush with death.

“Don't let your guard down after a victory,” Viers said to Croix and Boram. “It is actually a very dangerous moment.”

If straight-up killing wasn't possible, that’s what I would have done.

After the battle was truly over and they’d tended to Alfred’s wounds, they had some time to talk.

“Once again, I thank you for your timely assistance. I cannot thank you enough,” Croix said.

“I also extend my gratitude for protecting the young lord,” Alfred bowed. His wounds were quite severe so he wasn't back at 100% percent yet.

“May we know your name?” Croix asked.

“I’m Avel of Javia.”

“And his disciple, Boram Rockboa,” Boram followed.

“Shouldn't you bow and remove your mask before speaking to the prince? It’s improper,” Alfred was displeased.

“Alfred, it’s fine. Mister Avel surely has a reason. We don't need to pry. The valor of you both is unmatched. I have nothing but praise for-”

“Apologies for cutting in, Prince Croix, but I believe we should leave the place without delay. Those guys might return with reinforcements,” Viers cut out the customary noble talk. Perhaps the prince meant well and tried to be polite but this was not the time.

“Avel, you’re awfully rude to His Highness. Please show him the proper respect for his status.”

What status is that I wonder? The status of a runaway prince that got hunted by assassins, traveling in secret with nothing but a single guard? Doesn't say much about his status, does it?

“There’s no need for the stifling court courtesy, Alfred. There’s no one here other than us. Besides, Mister Avel is absolutely correct. Are you well enough to travel?”

“You don't need to concern yourself with me, prince. I’ll manage… ugh!” Alfred stumbled when he tried to walk.

“Boram can carry him if the need arises.”

Boram nodded.

“Nonsense! This little wound is nothing.”

Viers ignored him and asked the prince. “Where are you going? Do you have a destination in mind?”

“I do. We are heading to Stormberg. There’s someone I want to meet there,” Croix said while holding his satchel closer.

“Stormberg? What a coincidence. I’m heading that way too.”