As the beautiful sun rose in the sky of Arthemor city.

The servants, the cooks and all the working force of the city went about to start their day.

*6:30am*

"Where is Leinad? He was supposed to oversee our departure from the city. Why is he still in bed when the lord is awake? " Asked Arthemor

"I'm sorry my Lord. I don't know where he is. I will go and look for him." said a servant girl.

"It's alright. We have to depart immediately. Our luggage is already in the carts so all is well, now for the other issue." Arthemor turned and looked around and asked "Where is Dominic?"

"I'm here, I'm here. never fear." said Dominic as he casually walked out from the Manor entrance.

He went right ahead and took his seat in the carriage with his mother.

Captain Suryis stepped forward and said "My lord, are you sure you don't need me to join you?"

"It's alright, I need you here to find those criminals. I think 60 knights should be enough to escort us. Anymore and the royal court might think I'm bringing an army. HAHAHA!" replied Arthemor.

"Very well my lord" said captain Suryis and stepped back.

"Alright then. We move" shouted Arthemor.

And so, in some time, the carriage passed through the gates of the city and in a couple of hours, they were in Liontari forest.

A convoy of around 60 knights in silver armour, 2 carts and 2 luxurious carriages were heading north of the forest.

The forest was lush with different kinds of plants both beautiful and deadly. Many magical beasts lived in it and there was a legend that there was a God beast here.

But since the records of the creation of Veserix empire, no one has seen such a beast. Well even if they did, they would not survive the encounter. Dead men tell no tales.

The convoy was now deep in the forest. Outside the control of fiefdom of House Arthemor.

300 assassins were waiting for them near a curve in the road.

The assassins were led by Tragor from house Mordeath who had a small secret army of assassins.

"Grandmaster, our men are assembled." said an assassin.

Tregor went on to a giant stone, followed closely by a giant figure covered in black. His outfit was slightly different from the assassins. Tregor did not waste any time and addressed his men "As soon as half of the them cross the curve, we will attack the head of the convoy. The target is marques Arthemor and his family. Anyone who manages to bring me Arthemor head will get go up in rank and get more riches."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The assassins had covered their faces but one could feel the sly smile they had on their faces that displayed their confidence in their strength.

Tragor continued "The target has taken 60 more knights but it's no matter the 20 knights to the back are our men. When the battle starts, they will put a black band around their arm. They will ensure that no one escapes while we take care of the ones in front and middle."

"Grandmaster, what rank is Arthemor at?" as an assassin.

....... Silence.

Tregor took a deep breath and said "He is a rank 6 Majai warrior. It is said he is close to crossing rank 7."

Shock! Every assassin was shocked. They were not told their opponent would be this powerful. They have only heard of one rank 7 Majai and it was the emperor himself who was stuck at that rank for years.

Another assassin stepped forward and asked "Grandmaster, then how are we to kill him? The strongest among us equal to a rank 4 Majai."

Tregor looked at him and asked "Yes. What of it? Are you scared?"

The assassins were confused. It was an illogical thing to attack such a powerful person and yet they were doing it.

Tragor smiled and said "Calm down. I of course have a plan"

*Sigh*

One could almost hear 300 people sigh at the same time.

Tregor continued "This plan is one that every step should be carried out without flaw. If it fails then it's the end of us."

The assassins listened carefully.

Tregor pointed toward the ground and his space ring brought out a crate of potions.

He then said "Pour these potions on your blades and projectiles. These potions are called 'Anti-Force'. It does two things. One, it limits the victim's overall strength and magic to just 40% and two, it slowly paralyzes them in a couple of minutes."

Another assassin stepped forward and said "Grandmaster, shouldn't our blades first reach him for the potion to take effect?"

Tregor was visibly annoyed and said "Interrupt me again and I will spill your guts out."

The assassin back away with the others.

Tregor continued "Now, as I was saying. Arthemor is leading the convoy so don't bother with him. Kill the knight's first. If he comes at you, just defend."

'Just defend? Is this guy serious? I'd like to see him try that' thought some of the assassins but said nothing.

Tregor was still explaining "In the meantime, the assassins in the middle must hurry and capture his family. Remember! They must not die! Yet at least."

The assassins were slowly understanding where this is going.

Tregor continued "We bring his family in front of him with our blades on their necks. He has two choices, sacrifice his family to kill us all or surrender to save them. When he does surrender, the assassins in the trees will shoot their darts on him. Then we finish him. Easy and simple"

'This man is crazy. There are so many things wrong with this plan. It's all assumption based. It will never work in real life' thought the assassins to themselves when Tregor finished his plan.

This was the point of no return.

Tregor looked to his right, at the giant assassin looking figure and gave a sly smile. He looked again at the assassins and shouted "Everyone! Get to your stations. Make sure to cover your killing intent and aura."

**

One hour later

Dominic who looked like his life was about to be sucked out of his body said "Travelling is so boring. Couldn't we just teleport there?"

"Teleportation required too many resources and mana. We should pull a lot of strings to get that many Teleportation scrolls for this many people. Plus, didn't you say you brought books? Replied Lady Hilda with an inquiry.

Dominic, looking out the window of the carriage said "I did. When we were at the Manor, I took out the ones that I did not read to study them further. I forgot to keep it back" sigh*

Lady Hilda replied with "Well, you have to learn to be more mindful of your belongings."

At the same time. Lord Arthemor was riding his steed. Casually observing his surroundings at the tip of the convoy.

Even though his senses did not pick anything up, he had a bad premonition about this.

Somehow Arthemor felt that if he was attacked, he would not survive and yet.... He accepted his fate as if it was for the greater good.