The stranger once again appeared in little girl's life, who didn't have any reason left to live. She was just following the flow. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, she would fall.

- Follow me and I'll bring the light of your eyes back to you.

The stranger was dressed weirdly, but she could recognize him. This was the promise that he made.

Her will to live, could he really bring it back? Elaine knew it was not possible. Then why was she still clinging on this worthless life of hers even until now? It was because of him. She didn't want to owe anyone. She couldn't close her eyes peacefully for this sole reason.

'I'll be on my way once I've paid this debt, Lilian. Don't be lonely, I'll be joining you soon.'

She followed the stranger absentmindedly. His broad shoulders and dependable back made her remember things.

How good it would be if she had met him earlier? How good would it be if she and her sister could laugh carefreely like other kids? How good it would be to have parents, somebody to depend on, somebody who cares about your well being, somebody who spoils you, somebody who you can trust...Alas, she used to think that way. Now, everything had already lost its meaning. The world is no longer colorful, but ash grey.

* * *

20 silvers!

Lorian was shaken by this number. How did 7 years old kid have such high bounty?

He had to recruit her at all costs.

He managed to do it personally, two weeks ago. The Unlaughing gang helped to remove her bounty too.

He could still walk freely back then. His current condition was caused by completely new injury. It should have healed easily, but since his body received many serious injuries over and over, it became somewhat of a bigger problem...

He succeeded. Elaine showed shocking talent. She was a natural born assassin, possessing formless intent.

She could be smiling at you, standing in front of you, slitting your throat, but you won't suspect a thing until you feel coldness seep into your body. Regardless of a person's perception and intuition, they wouldn't be able to detect her killing intent. This is how scary she was.

Unfortunately, her eyes were dead. She didn't talk much. She didn't have any desire left to live. Lorian was pained to see this. He had already investigated her past and felt pity towards her.

Hence he decided on a different approach. If she doesn't have any reason to live, then why not give her one?

He started treating her like his own child, conversing warmly, dining with her and so on. He started spending his time with her. He wasn't deterred by her silence and ever so indifferent expression.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Nothing seemed to have changed nevertheless, but Lorian knew this wasn't the case. His actions clearly conveyed his feelings: I would be sad if you were gone.

Lorian unequipped his mask and answered smilingly

- Don't always bring that up. You still don't like meeting with strangers?

A petite figure dressed casually revealed herself from the dark corner of the room. Her face was immature, but her expression serious and eyes intelligent, a bit contrasting. She had brown hair and a cute face with healthy rosy cheeks. Her eyes, however, looked like an abyss, cold and uncaring.

Lorian could only smile wryly to her lack of response.

- You've been silently practicing a lot lately. You don't have to force yourself too much.

....Still no answer. Lorian kneaded his forehead helplessly and said.

- Alright, you can show me what you've learned then.

Having heard that, Elaine's eyes lit up a bit. She retrieved a dagger and started moving around obscurely.

'Dance of death' - was the only evaluation Lorian could give. This child was dangerous. He was sure he would die 100% if he was silently ambushed, but obviously, she wouldn't do that...thankfully.

Her footwork was excellent, her small hands moved dexterously, changing reverse grips to straight ones in less than half a second. The dagger's edge shone dangerously from time to time.

She had survived the months of pursuit from soldiers, from gangs and other enemies. The fact that she managed to stay alive spoke for itself.

*Crack

A fickle object couple of meters away showed a crack on its own. This was one of Elaine's skills, extended slash. This made up for the limited range the assassins had. However, as the distance increased, her attack power was weakened.

Lorian was satisfied to see her progress. Elaine also seemed a bit happy, but one couldn't tell easily. Her eyes were glimmering differently was all. Lorian found this kind of cute.

- You've done well.

Lorian patted her head and ruffled her hair into a mess. Seeing her lost expression, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. Feeling her intent stare, he found the situation awkward and changed his laughter into coughs.

- Take this.

Lorian spoke as he retrieved an object and handed it over to her.

- What's this?

Elaine's expression changed as she grabbed the exquisite dagger in her hands.

- A gift, you're not allowed to decline.

Lorian smiled warmly.

Elaine appeared mesmerized by the dagger. It was Ice Fang, a middle-grade artifact, fairly uncommon and precious weapon.

- A gift?

She softly mumbled and stared at him blankly.

Lorian patted her head and said

- I see you like it. You must be eager to test it out. Go practice, familiarize yourself to it. Don't go too far though. You can come back to me when you get bored.

Elaine stared at him for a while, then looked down at the dagger in her hands, then nodded and silently left the room.

Lorian sighed. He was left alone with his guilt. Encouraging child to learn to kill, he felt like a deceiving uncle. But he's tried his best. Nothing else interested her. She was a natural born killer...Also, the main reason he kept her was that he needed her. He didn't have the urge or ability to open a charity. There were millions upon millions of people suffering in the world, what did this have to do with him?

However, that didn't mean he didn't cherish her...

Lorian put her matter at the back of his hand for now. He had many other things to care about.

After tidying his thoughts, Lorian closed his eyes. Soon, the air around him stirred and fluctuated. Some formless energy started gathering and converging around his body, only to be merged into his body thereafter.

The process was slow. Once Lorian opened his eyes, it was already dark. The coldness dispersed in the air and everything turned back to normal.

Lorian felt loneliness as he gazed the moon that shone from the huge window. He rolled the wheelchair wheels and stationed himself close to the window.

- Where are you, my friend? Are you really dead?

Thinking further, his mood soured and cold glimmer flashed in his eyes.