Chapter 23

Assassins are divided into 3 rates. First rates were those who have mastered every aspect of an Assassin, who owns either a B tier weapon or R tier weapon, artifact included. Second rate are those are below the first rate, they are sometimes their right hand or companion. They own D tier weapon to C tier weapon. While third rate are those who are still learning but not new, they mostly servant to those above them, owning F tier weapon to E tier weapon. And lastly, fourth rate were those are still in the beginning stage. They don't own weapons, neither artifact.

But not all Assassins are like this, it mostly goes to what group, organization, and culture they live in. Some places doesn't cares to what classification you are, if you are an Assassin, then it's your job to hunt and kill, as all that matters is the result.

Some [Assassin Guild] or association, doesn't give skills to fourth rate and third rate Assassins, as they thought them to use their own senses, and strength in combat. If they can't overcome this, then what's the difference between owning a skill and not. In the estate, my master, Lord Eric Fall, recruited servants mostly from the [Assassin Guild], who were third rate to second rate, to be trained, and to be used as. And in this mansion, in all 18 servants, 12 were third rate, while 6 were second rate, and the last remaining two that were standing before me, were second rate Assassins

"... it's been awhile isn't it, Lady Cecile?"

'That is classified as first rate'

I stared towards the person who spoke

"It is. Truly, it's been awhile since we have meet, Butler Kim"

As I respond, he then smiled as I spoke

"... what a mess"

I then turn towards the person beside Butler Kim, then looked behind me, and saw the piled bodies of servants laying down the floor

"....."

"....don't feel pity towards them, Lady Cecile. They will hate it. They fought and lost. And it's not your fault that you were able to overwhelm them, it's not. So please, wipe that expression of yours, it's not good for my lady's personal maid, to make such expression"

I then turned back, and looked towards the person in front, and smiled

"I am grateful for your concern, Head Maid Clae"

"Fufufu why call us like that? You can easily refer us to our name, Lady Cecile"

Certainly, she has a point. When a master called out the head of the servants, they were all referred by their given names, Kim or Butler Kim. For those who are below the head servants, they must refer them as either Butler Kim, or Mr. Kim. And as for me, I could refer them as their given name without honorific, but I can't, or like, I won't. I then swayed my head from left to right to give her a quick answer.

"Sigh….you never change"

I then smiled, and utter

"My lady… is already engage"

Both of them were astound to sudden word I spoke

"Oh my, who is it?"

Asked by the Head Maid

"Hohohoho this is worth celebrating for. Who might be the man, who made such as my lady to fall?"

I smiled and spoke

"It's Sir Creeper, my lady's adopted cousin"

Both of them then halted, and smiled as they looked at me

"Certainly, if it someone that my lady would fall, it would be him. If it wasn't him, I will turn that person's organs upside-down, if he dares caused grief on my lady! Hmph!"

The Head Maid spoke, as she puffed her chest out - which are huge - and placed her hands on her waist

"I wish I was able to see such sight, truly I wish"

The Butler spoke out, as he smiled in dull smirk. With a wry smile, I spoke

"My lady will surely-"

"Lady Cecile"

"?"

I was then interrupted by Butler Kim, as he looked at me

"After this, we have a request"

"... what is it?"

I asked

"At the servant's quarter, in my room, below the bed at the top left, there's a gift that all of us meant to give to my lady, but failed to do so. I asked you, on behalf of all us, please give it to her"

".... I will"

"I'm grateful"

The two then smiled at me, as I looked towards them. I then silently clenched my left hand, that was covered by my right, as I tightly grasp the hem of my clothe

"Well then….let's not delay any longer"

Butler Kim spoke, as he unsheathed his Katana, and throw away its Saya (note: scabbard) away. Head Maid Clae then bowed towards me, as she lift the other side of her maid clothe up, and took a small Katana, a Tanto.

Silence befalls the room, as the 3 of us stared at one other. Patiently waiting, as we silently gazes at each other. I then took a deep breath without turning my gaze away from them.

Hoooo~

Tik Tok Tik Tok Tik

As the sound of the clock echoed the silent room

Tik

Tok

Tik

Tok

Swoosh

Just like a signal in a race, as the clock pointed 7, the 3 of us then vanished. (note: back in medieval era, clock weren't invented, but I made it exist here, only grandfather clock)

Clang!

Metal sound then resounded the room, as I blocked Butler Kim's Katana, using the sickle end of my chain, while I stopped Head Maid Clae's attack, using my heel above. I then pushed Butler Kim's Katana as I flipped myself up, and turned myself to the left, and swung my right foot. I then swung my chain as I pulled the other end, as I turned myself.

Clank

Thud

Butler Kim then jumped back to avoid the incoming attack, while Head Maid Clae blocked my attack, as she used her Tanto in a vertical manner, and used it to push herself, and distance away from me.

Tap

Head Maid Clae then stood atop of the sofa, as she holds her Katana and smiled, while Butler Kim stood just a distance from me, as he arranged the vase. Both were opponent that I shouldn't take for granted, as they carefreely showcased their ability.

Ting

Swoosh

I then dashed forward, and rushed towards the head maid.

Clang

The Head Maid then blocked my attack, as I swung the sickle end to her. I then pulled the wire thread that I secretly wrapped around her. She then swiftly bend down to avoid such danger, and swung her Tanto to not miss such opportunity. I then used the sofa's edge to flip myself up towards her, as my legs spread. I then descended my right foot with a killing intent towards the Head Maid's head. She then hurriedly jump back to avoid my feat

Swish

Butler Kim then grabs the chance before him, as I turned my back from him, and swung her Katana towards me

"Ho"

He exclaimed, as I swiftly dodge his sudden assault, as I bended myself from behind. I then flipped myself again, as I used my upper body's weight, and kicked him as I aimed at his chin using my right foot.

Swoosh

"Argh!"

I groaned, as the Head Maid then attacked me below, and slashed my left side, as Butler Kim dodged my attack. I dodged it by a small margin, as I used my left hand and turn myself to the left, and spin my legs as I tried driving away, or hit Butler Kim. The wounds might not be fatal, but indicates my fatal flow.

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As I stood up as I landed, Butler Kim then dashed towards me, and slashed his Katana at my stomach, as he aimed at my spleen - which is at my left side of my stomach below the diaphragm. The Head Maid then didn't waste any second, as she dashed herself behind me, and swung her Tanto, diagonally, at my defenseless back.

Clank!

I then blocked Butler Kim's Katana with the sickle end, and swung a Kunai directly at the Head Maid, who then bends her head to her right. The Head Maid who missed such opportunity didn't stop, as she stomp her left foot forward, and slashed her short Katana vertically, aiming at my chest. The Head Butler then did a follow up, as his first strike miss. He thumps his right foot forward, and swung his Katana vertically from the left, and aim at the back of my chest. I then gritted my teeth, and blocked the Head Maid's attack using the chain, while I receive the butler's assault.

"Ugh!"

I groaned, as I can't dodge both of them at the same time. Both were tremendously threatening and quick, so I could only blocked the one that might be lethal to me. As I blocked the Head Maid's attack, I then loosen my grip on my chain, and let her Tanto pull me, and used it to distance myself towards them.

"Huff.... Puff..... Huff"

My breathing became heavy, the blood at my back drip down, as my ripped clothe showcase my wound. The two then stood just a fare distance from me, and walked slowly towards the spot I am in. Butler Kim then splashed the blood that was on his Katana, as he walked closer. I could only frown as I stared at him.

"Are you belittling me?"

I angrily asked, as I raised my voice, and stared at Butler Kim

"Hmm….?"

"I'm asking again. Are you belittling me, Butler Kim?"

As I asked again, as my gaze didn't waver as the ember it lit burns

".... My apologies"

He stated. Certainly, in a short span of time as we exchanges blows and slashes, I already received two wounds. One was fatal, the other wasn't. But the thing I hated the most was, when Butler Kim hold back his killing intent in that very moment, that moment when I received his attack.

In that time, as I can't blocked both of them, I received Butler Kim's flawless strike, aiming directly at my vital part. If Butler Kim didn't pulled his Katana a bit in time, and let the edge of his weapon slashed me, I should be lying down in the floor, cold and dead, which made me annoyed. And let me say this, these two didn't yet used any of their distinctive skills during this time, which made me more irritated

"Certainly, I might be still an infant for the two of you, but doing so, is something I hated the most!"

As I stated that, Butler Kim then sighed and smiled, as he looked at me and bow

"I apologize, Lady Cecile. It might be due to my old age, that I instinctively acted in such manner"

He then looked at me, waved his sword to his right then left, and smiled as he stared at me. I then tighten my grip of my Kasurigama, as both grinned at me. If I'm speaking in literal and figurative word, then these two truly represented the demon I have read in the book.

Swoosh

"!?!"

Both then vanished in an instance. It was so fast that I my eyes couldn't keep up

Clang

"Argh!"

I groaned, as I instinctively moved my body, and blocked Butler Kim's attack, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to do the same to the Head Maid's assault, as I received a huge diagonal slashed on my left side.

"Ugh!"

Butler Kim then kicked me at my abdomen using his knee.

"Shit!"

I thoughtfully yelled, as Head Maid Clae then throw a straight punched at me on my left jaw. I shriek as I flew a bit of distance from them, but Butler Kim didn't end it there, as he dashed himself forward. I used my right foot as a foot hold to halt myself, and hold my ground, and then swing my kasurigama.

"!?"

I was then alarmed, as my weapon only hit an afterimage. I then hurriedly shift my gaze to my right, to scan my surrounding, but suddenly meet Butler Kim's kick, as he grab my head from my left, and pull in down and hit his knee

Whap

"Ahh!"

I yelled, as the head maid then connected his assault, as she landed another huge blow on my stomach. My body jolted as I unconsciously raised myself up a bit. Butler Kim then grabbed my head once more, and slammed it ferociously in the floor. A loud thud echoed the mansion. Head Maid Clae then grabbed my right foot, and throw me as she swung me towards the [Grand Room's] wall

Crash!

"Cough!... Cough!... Cough!"

I was throughly beaten by these two. I can't even see any holes between their assault, not to mention, their vigorous bombardment. I then forced myself to get up, and wiped the blood that dripped in my mouth, and yelled

Ptoey!

"Playtime is over!"

Snap

As I snapped my finger, three shadowy figures then emerge from mansion's shade, and leap towards the two. But rather than getting distress, both smiled and jumped away a bit from the three. I then stood up, and stared at them

"Speed me up, [Acceleration]"

And sprint myself swiftly, towards the two.

If [Swift Feet] boost one's speed, then [Acceleration] speed up one's movements. [Acceleration] boost the users reaction, and reflexes rather than just its speed, it certainly also increase one's agility. So in a sense, it's an upgrade version, or a high-quality one than [Swift Feet].

The two who saw me dashing towards them, smirked

"Very well"

After Butler Kim spoke, he then vanished in the thin air

"!?"

Shocked and bewilderment, painted my face

'His quick'

I thought. 3 of my servants then defended alongside me, as I put my guard up. Seconds came as the clock ting

"!!!"

Like how a Rabbit sense fear of the approaching Serpent, my body shivered, sweats rolled from my forehead, and my body tensed

Swish!

"Shit!!"

Tunk

I then hurriedly jump back, as to dodge the daggers that was thrown at me, peirced at the wall upfront. Which such speed, if I didn't move in time, I'll be dead for sure. As I landed, I then ordered one of my servants to sprint forward

"Find hi-!!"

A sudden chill runs down again behind me, as a Katana was just an half an inch away from my neck. I hurriedly bend down, twisted myself, and swung my weapon behind me.

Swish

"!!"

Rather than the figure of a person, I meet 3 daggers at front. I then rushingly crouch down

"Shit"

I exclaimed, as a thin wire below me, that was attached to the daggers end, wrapped around my neck

'He got me'

I then reflexively blocked it with the sickle's edge, cutting the wire upfront. I then, instinctively, looked back, and saw Butler Kim behind me, stretching his Katana down my neck. Thankfully my servant was quite quick, and blocked his attack before it could reach my neck.

Clank!

My other servant then rushed forward, and pointed its katana towards him. As he jump back to dodge my servants strike, I then hurriedly got up, and hold my ground. 3 of my servants then circled me, as I sweep the sweat in my forehead

"Taking a rest?"

A sudden formation then shone below me. An eye diagram was drawn below, with 6 pointed edges star at the center, with 2 spheres circling it.

"Not good"

I muttered, as the formation that was laid before me, was something I truly remembered. As I was about to jump out, thin threads then coiled us, from our feet, thighs, arms, abdomen, and neck, all are preventing us from getting away, locking us up. Daggers then circled around us, pointing its deadly blade at us

"It should be our win"

Struggling was pointless, as the thin threads were locking us, and blocking our movements. I didn't even know when did they set this up, or how did they concealed it, but one thing for sure

"Fuck!"

I'm dead

Swoosh!

"Gah!"

Like a butchered meat, all daggers pierced right through us, from our neck till our feet, like a target dummy in an arrow practice, none misses their mark

"That's 1:0, isn't it?"

Head Maid Clae then looked back, and smiled

"Lady Cecile"

She spoke, as she stares at the fireplace side.

"Tsk"

Slowly I walked out, unscratched. I then looked towards the "me" who was pierced with daggers all over, slowly vanishing. I was thankful enough that I was still able to quickly avoid such death.

"Any second delay…"

During the time I crouch down, I hurriedly replaced myself with the double I placed at the fireplace corner, using [Force Swap], a skill were you could exchange location with the being - may it living or not - you marked, forcefully of course.

"Underestimating one's enemy is really reckless, but inevitable"

I murmured, as I sharply gaze towards the two. I then took a deep breath, calmed myself, and muttered

"Bless me, [Ito Ningyo]" (note: thread doll)

The Kusarigama I was holding disappeared, or more or like merge. The chains of the weapon extend towards my fingers, forming a net like design gloves, while the sickle edge of the weapon stretches out, and replaced my nails. The blunt end coiled around my wrist, forming like a darkish bracelet. And the pupil of my eyes formed a big shape X.

"Ohh"

"Hmm"

They smugly exclaimed. I then stretched my arms open, like a conductor in an orchestra, my 3 servants then followed through my fingers wave. Boosting their power and speed, their reflexes and senses, like a puppet in a play, they will only follow the way I want them to.

"Embrace me, [Darkness]"

As both muttered, and vanished alongside the mansion's shade

(Creeper's POV)

"Darling"

"Hmm?"

"If I remember, Isabelle has a servant right? I mean her personal one"

"Oh, you mean Cecile? Why?"

Sheryl then leaned her back on my chest, and spoke

"Well…. what kind of servant is she?"

"Hmm?"

I was bewildered to what Sheryl just asked. It was our 4th day in the south region. After we took a bit of rest in the nearby forest, we then started heading out again, as we rode our horse in the desert

"You mean?"

I inquired

"I mean… she's seems different. I can't say for sure in what way but… she's definitely strong, I thought"

"So you're concerned about that?"

"Hn hmm"

"Well, Cecile is an Assassin, so it's no wonder you felt such"

"Eh?! She's an Assassin?.... No wonder"

"Yup, she was employed as the Fall's maid and Assassin, before Isabelle was born, then became Isabelle's personal maid right after she was birthed. She also owned a rare type of class, so she was employed without any further thought, and a very close friend of mother during her youth"

"Ohh~, what class is she anyway?"

"A Puppeteer"

(Cecile's POV)

Puppeteer is class that could be compared to a Manipulator, as both take control on a being they took ownership from. They only differ on what they could control with, the latter controls living beings, while the former isn't.

Puppeteer manipulates dead bodies of a monster, human or other species. Either their corpse or skeleton remains. Ones the Puppeteer marks them, they could fully control them.

3 years ago, Puppeteer was then classified as Necromancer sub branch, as it manipulate dead bodies. Alongside with Shadow Necromancy, Caller Necromancy, and Corpse Necromancy, Puppeteer then followed through as a rare type class.

The servants I have were all remains of a strong species of beings I hunted and procure. The one who holds the Nodachi, was from a dead Elf female Assassin I hunted, a mid gold rank hunter. The Nagamaki user was from a half-breed female of a Vampire and an Elf, which I procured in an auction I won, an early platinum rank. And lastly was a Beastkin woman that is rare among them, a breed of a {Silver-Gray Wolf}, and a {Dark Flame Hound}, a mid platinum rank. I was lucky enough on finding a corpse of such monster. Wielding an Iron clawed gauntlet

Nodachi (note: or also called as odachi) is a long sword comparable, or much longer than a Katana, with a length of that would reach 90.9 cm to 377 cm. Nagamaki is a long hilt Katana, basically a Katana sword with a long hilt like a spear, with a blade length of 60 cm, and 25 cm long hilt (note: just imagine legion commander's weapon). Iron clawed gauntlet is just a gauntlet with pointy, sharp claws on its fingers (note: just imagine catgirl gloves). And all of them wore a blended light and dark veil, covering their beautiful faces

The Iron clawed gauntlet is made from a {Dragon-Feet Python}, whereas the Nodachi is crafted from a {Horned Gray Wolf}, and while the Nagamaki is created from a {Fiery Lion}

As the two vanished along the mansion's shade, I then used the Beastkin to find them. Beastkin have their natural sharp nose and ear, which are good at tracking preys.

"[Sense Buff]"

One of the many reasons why Puppeteer is a rare type class, is that they could bring back the corpse skills when they were still active, [Sense Buff] is an example of them. But as I'm not that proficient on my class, I could only bring back one skill each of them. If a Puppeteer class could master its class, they could easily revive 3 or 4 skills of the corpse. Shadow and Caller Necromancy, is among those who could use the corpse skill.

I then ordered the half-breed to stand guard, while the Elf protects my back, for any sudden sneak attack at my blind spot. Seconds came as silence deluge the mansion

"Grrr"

"There!"

I yelled, as the Beastkin then turned its head to our left. Readying our weapon, we took our stance

"!!"

"Got you"

Like a cornered Rabbit, chills run through my spine, as my world suddenly halts. Slowly, I turned my vision at my back, and saw Butler Kim stretching his Katana at my neck in an insane speed, grinning like a demon as he locked his gaze on me.

"That's 2:0"

"Shit!"