Far in the northeastern tip of the Runeverse lies the barren desert continent of Malazen, characterized by vast stretches of vacant lands devoid of any power. The scattered bones strewn across the sea of sand bear witness to the hellish life that once existed here. The relentless weather and scorching heat melted the flesh off the bones and turned them into the mud, before finally dissolving them into the water.

In this harsh environment, even a group with no knowledge of crossing the desert could disappear without a trace within ten minutes. Only those who had drunk the alchemy serum could hope to survive, as no one knew whether the bodies of the unfortunate victims were left to be consumed by the sand or burnt by the unforgiving weather.

The scenes in urban areas are enough to make one feel nauseous. Many emaciated and weak corpses are left abandoned, and every day, sick bodies have to be buried in sandpits. The limited natural resources are a part of life in this constant state of decline, and no one is surprised by it. However, life in the desert is even worse. The land is empty, dry, and barren, and many areas are inhabited by underground monsters such as scorpions, worms, salamanders, and worst of all, Chthonians.

In a book chronicling the journey of the great explorer Halatar, which was discovered by someone, he describes a unique two-year expedition that ultimately led him to be away from home for twenty-five years. From surviving the Chthonian Invasion to the Post-Kaliyuga Explosion, he stands as the sole pioneer who uncovered new wonders and ventured into the four deserts of each Malazen region.

His account begins with a heartfelt greeting, stating, "If you are reading this, it means I am already dead. Yet, I bear no regrets, only a profound sense of pride and fulfillment. May my sacrifice not be in vain for the generations to come, and may my name endure as this book safeguards your lives."

Although there are missing pages in Halatar's account, which he might have deliberately discarded, that mystery remains unknown to this day. As for what the Assassin Academy knows now, Halatar has witnessed numerous lives and mysteries during his journey across different terrains, and he shares four keys to unlocking what he has seen.

"If you fear facing natural disasters, avoid the southwest desert (Blaze Desert) where you'll encounter thunderstorms, giant hurricanes, geysers, and the eruption of the Tartaros volcano. Recommendation: Join the Demolitionist faction, and in return, you'll be rewarded with a steam bike that's faster than my donkey.

Do not venture into the northwestern desert (Drought Desert) in groups. If you insist, either use the sand walk or leave behind your slow-moving friend. The dry land is plagued by earthquakes, landslides, and sandstorms that can suck you into the void. Recommendation: Use anything that can fly, such as an eagle or a jetpack. If you're lucky enough, look for a cave between two blue rocks, as I left my magic carpet there.

Have you ever heard of Ghoulification? If you're not prepared to mutate due to prolonged exposure to radiation, then the northeast region (Plague Desert) is not the place for you. The area is filled with harmful alpha, beta, gamma, delta, zeta, and theta radiation. Recommendation: Purchase a truckload of serum. If you don't have money, join the Occultist faction, whose fire will make you immune to radiation. Side effects? Your life will depend on fire.

If you don't want to get lost in the fog, stay away from the southeast region (Mist Desert), unless you enjoy taking risks as much as I do. This place is perpetually sunless due to the miasmatic mist from the contaminated marshes and is the only area that can experience rainfall. Recommendation: Join the Nightblade faction and follow the path of the shadows. From my experience, this faction is the most trustworthy of all, in fact, I was married twice there.

After experiencing all of that, you'll be ready for the next challenge. The four deserts from the four cardinal directions converge at a central point, which is covered by the Ceaseless Sandstorm. If someone were to overcome the impossible odds and penetrate this sandstorm, they would discover the ruins of the Old Wall of Dawnguard. Continuing on, you'll come across a massive pit called the Maw of Chthon. But be warned, don't ever jump into that gaping abyss, for that's where my grave lies."

Halatar's account went viral, sparking the interest of many outsiders, including caravans, explorers, and travelers. Within a month of arriving on the continent and experiencing the harsh realities of survival, they discovered that the Malazenians had been living with the scars of a war that had taken place thousands of years ago and was still ongoing against the underground creatures known as the Chthonians.

In the early days of glory, before everything turned to sand, Emperor Kaliyuga founded the magnificent Great Dawn Empire. However, after three thousand years and many generations, the second era began with an unprecedented catastrophe that shook the continent to its core. The Chthonians invaded, not from the sky, sea, or land, but from the dark abyss of the Runeverse. These monsters ravaged and destroyed all living things in Malazen, and a single Chthon could even drink a lake dry.

During that time, Emperor Sigmund Arda and the nine vassals under Malazen's authority struggled to deal with the Chthonian onslaught, which lasted for over a hundred years. Despite their efforts, the final defense point, the old imperial wall known as the Dawnguard, was eventually destroyed. In those dark times, more than half of the Malazenian population perished, and the odds were overwhelmingly against them, with one soldier facing a thousand Chthonians. No matter what means were employed, victory seemed impossible.

Emperor Sigmund Arda was forced to make a desperate decision: he unsealed Emperor Kaliyuga's tomb and retrieved the forbidden heirloom from the empire's founder—the Kaliyuga Scepter—to use it to incinerate both Malazen and the Chthonians. The resulting massive explosion flattened the once-prosperous continent of Malazen, leaving nothing but a barren desert, carving the mountains, drying up the oceans, and burning the skies. Soils, plants, rocks, buildings, and living things were all reduced to dust.

The dark ages descended upon the land, as the Kaliyuga Scepter, a weapon consisting of three Great Runes, split apart and was scattered across various regions of Malazen, along with eighteen other legendary heirlooms. The discovery of the three Great Rune shards sparked the formation of three factions: Nightblade with the Moon Rune, Demolitionist with the Earth Rune, and Occultist with the Sun Rune.

These factions were born out of the cooperation between professional assassins trained in the Dawnstrike Fortress and the remnants of former soldiers whose kingdoms had been decimated by the Chthonians. They now vie for control over the barren and desolate continent, where survival is a daily struggle against sandstorms, ruins, and the vicious pirates and assassins who dominate the land.

There are only a handful of safe havens in Malazen, such as the Apkallu Oasis, Torun Mountains, Eulgana River, Tolwich Harbor, and the heavily fortified Dawnstrike Fortress. As the only remaining bastion in Malazen, Dawnstrike Fortress serves as the bridge between Malazen and the vast central continent called Ardaenor. It is also a training stronghold for assassins to eradicate the Chthonians that have infested Malazen.

Dawnstrike Fortress, which was later renamed the Academy of Assassins, still trains children to undergo ten years of gruesome training and become Dawnstrike Assassins who can be deployed to various kingdoms. However, the academy also faces a shortage of manpower to combat the Chthonians, leading to a large-scale search throughout Malazen to find survivors. Children who are found are trained in the academy, while adults are assigned to one of the factions.

To leave Malazen via the Malarda Bridge, there are two options available. The first option is to become a Dawnstrike Assassin, which entails undergoing ten years of intense training and receiving a Dawnstrike medallion. Successful graduates are then eligible for promotion to various kingdoms outside of Malazen on behalf of the academy.

The top ten ranked assassins are promised valuable items from the Swordmaster, including numerous Artefacts from the Old Dawn Empire. While most cadets would prefer to die on a mission rather than live in obscurity, there is another way to escape the continent, but that is a separate story altogether.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Under the moonlit night, bathed in the glow of the twin moons Arkan and Isra, the aspiring cadets gathered in the training grounds of the Academy of Assassins. Anticipation filled their hearts as the senior assassins lurked in the shadows, poised to push their limits.

With swords unsheathed, the cadets engaged each other in a fierce dance of blades. Every strike was met with a parry, every dodge executed with precision. Their bodies moved with fluid grace, a testament to the countless hours of training.

Under the watchful eyes of the seniors, they traversed obstacle courses, leaping over walls, and navigating treacherous terrain. Their agility and dexterity were put to the test as they moved swiftly, leaving no trace behind.

"How are they faring?" asked the Swordmaster, his presence looming behind the senior assassins, his form cloaked in darkness.

One of the seniors replied, "Not well, I'm afraid. They're too slow. If you'll pardon my bluntness, Swordmaster, the majority of them would end up as Chthonian fodder, just like my generation."

"What about Han Luoyi and Thanistor Groh?"

"You mean the second and fifth champions of the Triacademia World Tour, Swordmaster? They were exempted from this remedial training and are guaranteed to pass. This training is only for the cadets who fell behind."

The atmosphere crackled with tension and determination as the cadets pushed themselves to the limits, knowing that their future as skilled assassins hinged on their performance. They were driven by a desire to prove themselves worthy and carve their names in the annals of the Academy's history.

"Any updates on the Mad Cadet?" Swordmaster inquired, his voice filled with concern. It has been a month since the news of his demise, and his basic assessment is scheduled for next month.

"Oh, he arrived a week ago. And his arrival set Barracks A ablaze for seven consecutive nights. Even now, the Class A cadets are forced to share accommodations with others—ouch!"

One of the senior's comrades pinched him, and he realized he had inadvertently divulged the chaos caused by the Mad Cadet. "Ah, my apologies, Swordmaster."

The Swordmaster himself remained silent, his gaze fixed on the senior with widened eyes, then turned to observe the duel between the two cadets, trying to forget what he had just heard. In the sparring arena, the cadets engaged in intense one-on-one battles known as Mubarza in Malazen. Adrenaline coursed through their veins as they exchanged blows, each strike fueled by determination and an insatiable hunger for victory. They honed their reflexes, anticipating every move of their opponents.

Swordmaster sighed and shook his head as if losing his appetite while witnessing the cadets' duel. The exorbitant cost of accommodating these aspiring professional assassins almost made him nauseated.

"Continue the trial, I'll be in my chamber for a moment," Swordmaster said.

"Understood, Swordmaster Theodin."

The following day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the senior assassins led the cadets into the depths of the dark woods, armed only with their senses and instincts. Engaged in a relentless game of cat and mouse, they stealthily stalked their elusive prey, their footsteps silenced and their forms blending seamlessly with the shadows.

In the last trial, the cadets confronted a simulated mission: infiltrating a fortified fortress brimming with treacherous traps and guarded by highly skilled adversaries. They employed their newly acquired skills, harnessing the power of stealth, deception, and lethal precision to overcome each obstacle-strewn across their path.

Throughout their arduous journey, marked by countless challenges, bruises, and setbacks, the cadets pushed themselves beyond the limits of their endurance, driven by determination. Despite their shared struggles and triumphs, many remained hesitant to fully acknowledge their comrades, choosing instead to pursue their objectives independently.

As their rigorous training reached its pinnacle, the cadets found themselves standing before the seasoned senior assassins, their expressions resolute and their minds primed for the upcoming mission. The cadets consisted of individuals from various social backgrounds, encompassing a wide range of castes from noble to beggar.

Additionally, they represented diverse races such as Elves and Dwarves, although the majority of cadets were Humans. Most of them had grown up in the midst of the perils of the Chthonian Invasion, seeking refuge in the academy as children and teenagers to escape the dangers that plagued their hometown.

A senior stepped forward, his voice dripping with authority, and scolded, "Do you truly believe you are prepared for what lies beyond these walls?" His piercing gaze fixed upon each cadet. "While you may have honed your skills through rigorous training, the true test of your mettle awaits you out there! The world is merciless! With your current abilities, you would meet your demise before even stepping foot beyond these fortified walls!"

The cadets exchanged questioning glances, and one person wearing a hood couldn't help but burst into laughter at the senior's statement. This was followed by the others, leaving the seniors uneasy at this display of oddity.

The senior was reminded of news from his comrade last week, revealing that this generation of cadets was considered the worst. Apparently, they always hid their true strength and refused to showcase it to the public.

Their laughter continued for a while and ended with one of the ninja cadets saying, "You call it a true test? That's a low-level test that doesn't require our consideration."

"Know this, weak seniors, we will only reveal our true power when the Instructor's exam begins!" stated the samurai cadet.

"Or if you insist on knowing our strength, we'll show it to you right now or tomorrow!" added the third cadet, who had a Viking-like appearance.

The serious expression of the senior assassin hardened. "You arrogant brats, you clearly have no idea how terrifying the final Instructor's exam is! It involves sealing the Chthonians into oblivion, and less than ten percent of our generation survived!"

A young kunoichi stepped forward and spoke with unwavering resolve. "We have endured countless challenges and made sacrifices to stand here today," she declared. "Despite our youth, we are prepared to face any obstacle that comes our way. We will prove ourselves worthy of the title 'Dawnstrike Assassins'."

The stern expression on the senior assassin's face softened slightly, with a glimmer of pride shining in his eyes. "Very well," he said, his voice carrying a reluctant respect. "Demonstrate not only your skills but also your loyalty. Execute your missions with precision and discretion. Remember, the fate of Malazen rests upon your shoulders."

Another senior stepped forward to conclude, emphasizing, "Remember! The Assassin Academy is not for the faint of heart. It is a place where only the most skilled and determined cadets can hope to succeed. The ultimate test of your abilities awaits in the final examination next month, where you will face one to seven instructors in various locations. Each test is known to push the boundaries of possibility! For now, rest and stick to the schedule!"

The cadets returned to their respective barracks for a two-hour rest, while many remained engaged in training. As the Swordmaster walked toward his office, whispers of the instructors' formidable abilities echoed through the corridors of the academy. In addition to their pursuit of knowledge, the aspiring cadets were determined to surpass their instructors and become the new face of the Dawnstrike Assassins.

At the heart of the academy were seven renowned instructors, each with their own unique set of skills and specialties. Their revered status was built on a foundation of fear and respect, as their unique criteria and values molded cadets into lethal operatives of unparalleled caliber.

Durzo the Unseen presided over Durzo's Dark Room. A master of stealth and secrecy, Durzo moved with unmatched precision, leaving no trace behind. Once a Rune Bearer, he had since become a Rune Stealer, honing his skills in the shadows.

Erigor the Rampager, stationed in Erigor's Tunnel, was a former Dawnguard Paladin known for his fearless approach to battle. With sheer strength and ferocity, he left a wake of destruction in his path, having dedicated himself to twenty years of Chthon Slayer.

Kenneth the Ripper held court in Kenneth's Carnival, a cold-blooded killer renowned for his lethal precision. His swift and efficient executions earned him the nickname of the Grim Reaper among the assassin community.

Hyoh the Phantom, an enigmatic figure who resided in Hyoh's Hermitage, possessed the ability to manipulate perception through illusions, making him an elusive and unpredictable instructor. He was often associated with the ancient Mount Tartaros as a Soul Keeper.

Manseto the Warden governed Manseto's Prison with an iron fist, embodying discipline and order. After serving as a Dark Executioner, he turned his attention to rebuilding and fortifying the ancient prison, becoming a stalwart guardian of its confines.

Lucia the Witch, resided within Lucia's Manor, where her mastery of magic was on full display. Her cunning manipulation and spellcasting abilities earned her the reputation of a Condemned Witcher, known for her obsession with experimental practices.

Baron the Beast, located in Baron's Amphitheater, possessed the instincts and skills of a savage Bone Hunter. His unparalleled strength and endurance allowed him to track down and subdue even the most formidable creatures.

The cardinal rule of the academy was that cadets, or aspiring professional assassins, were not permitted to join any factions in Malazen until they graduated. Swordmaster Theodin, the head of the Academy of Assassins, collaborated with various empires and independent kingdoms to sell the academy's assets, which included the assassins themselves.

Cadets who succeeded in passing the final test were conferred with the title of "Dawnstrike Assassin" and were granted the liberty to leave the academy to pursue their own paths. Some opted to ally themselves with powerful factions or work as mercenaries for affluent clients, while others chose to operate independently.