Theron sat in class. He was silent, but then again, so was everyone else. In this place, no matter how unruly you were as a student, there was only one person allowed to speak.
Which of these youths would willingly get on the bad side of a Gold Mancer? Much less a Thistle?
The old man at the helm of the classroom looked as though he had a foot in the grave. His manner of speaking was mind-numbingly slow and labored, and unlike the vigorous Teacher Fern, he didn't use the board much at all, seemingly too weak to walk around as often as he would need to.
Teacher Burne Thistle, he had introduced himself as. But ever since he had spoken those words, Theron had heard nothing else but blaring warning signs.
He was in danger.
While he hadn't been an assassin for long, Theron had always had a rigorous attention to detail.
Teacher Fern was gone, only to be suddenly replaced by a Thistle. He had already noticed that there were large movements within the Imperial Academy. Before, he wasn't sure why. But now...
Someone big has been replaced. For Teacher Fern to lose her job when she had long secured tenure requires someone with heavy influence. In all likelihood, one of the Deans has been replaced. More accurately: one of the Deans has been replaced with a Thistle.
The Sects were moving, and now there was such a large change in the Imperial Academy of all places. On top of that, a bounty had been placed on the head of a Thistle.
Even the Imperial Clan wouldn't lightly target a marquisate.
And now, thanks to Teacher Fern, Theron had likely been thrust right into the middle of this spotlight.
The Sects sent their disciples, and now the Thistles are in the Imperial Academy. Both are related to a high concentration of young talent. This matter must be related to something that only the youth can acplish. A Secret Realm is the most likely scenario, but that answer feels too cheap. Something is off about it.
Theron continued to stare at Teacher Burne Thistle. He looked no different from a studious student.
If it really was a Secret Realm, why would the Thistles feel the need to take control of the Imperial Academy? Why not just keep the information close to their vests and act accordingly?
This has to be something happening on a larger scale. A Secret Realm is too acute. Likely something occurring over a long period as well. And also something so important that the Thistles are willing to directly offend the Imperial Clan in order to carve out a chance for themselves.
The moment he began his deductions, Theron knew that he wouldn't be able to reach a conclusive ending. He was too small a character, and while he had joined Daggers of the Night for the information network, he had yet to properly work his way up to make use of it.
So he had no choice but to take a chance.
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[3-Star Bronze Mission - Kill Yonowai Thistle]
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[Reward]
[>22,000 Bronzes]
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Originally, he hadn't wanted to take this mission. The risk was too high. But now, there was no other choice.
If he didn't take the initiative himself, he would be one of the first targeted in this new world order.
"Student Theron."
"Yes, Teacher Thistle?" Theron replied without missing a single beat, his tone laced with the utmost respect.
"I am new, but I have heard of your great feats already. I believe the class would love to hear your perspective on this topic. What do you think?"
"I believe that one's weapon of choice should be secondary to their Mancer Path. Whether Elemental, Flux, Spirit, or Soul, only by first grasping your strengths in each field can you make an appropriate assessment for yourself."
"Oh?" Burne continued to speak in his slow cadence. "But of these four paths, only Flux Mancy seems to have any direct correlation with weapons. Are you saying that only Flux Mancers, masters of the body, should use weapons?"
"No." Theron shook his head. "I do not know much about Spirit and Soul Mancy, but what I can say as a Water Mancer myself is that a great sword would not suit me very much. That being said, it might be an excellent weapon for an Earth Mancer who tends to stay more stationary in bat and would better take advantage of a bulkier weapon."
"A fascinating perspective, indeed. Taking into account the kind of battle style most suited to your Mancy Path and choosing your weapon. Would anyone else like to contribute their thoughts?"
A coincidence? Theron thought to himself. No. This man is a Spirit Mancer. He read the intentions of my mind and felt that I wasn't giving the lesson my full and undivided attention.
There was a rage that threatened to build in Theron's chest. This was the first time since that day that he was running into a Spirit Mancer. His emotions, ones he usually controlled so well, showed signs of slipping from his grasp.
But just like always, he slowly closed his eyes. The same thoughts and memories he always ran through came in one after another.
I'm not living for myself.
Those simple five words were his creed, and he would live by them.
Theron opened his eyes to find a smiling pair looking right at him. He could practically see Teacher Burne Thistle's amusement dancing in his green irises, his old features twisted by age and wrinkles.
There was only a calm tranquility in Theron's own as the rest of the class seemed like a blur to him.
When he stepped out, his strides long, his every step carried a rhythmic cadence that aligned his movements with his heart. It was a state he felt he could only enter when there was heavy rain, but today... he felt filled with purpose.
He was going to kill a Thistle.
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