“Ok then.
Let’s put all our cards on the table.
What’s the job and why did you reach out to us?
Why not do it yourself?” Arthos asked as he folded his arms.
“It’s because she can’t complete the mission alone.” Percy answered with confidence.
He continued to share his observations, “the twelve assassins are all the fighting strength she has left.
Isn’t that, right?
As we approached the house, I noticed faint traces of footsteps leading away from the neighborhood.
Twelve unique prints…they were easy to spot given the amount of dirt you have been removing from this tunnel.”
Murai’s expression soured for a moment, displeased that her secret was revealed.
After a few seconds she replied, “you are correct.
The Executioners guild is no more.
The twelve assassins you see are all that remains.”
“What happened?” Wain asked in disbelief.
The Executioners were among the oldest and most distinguished guilds in existence.
“After the Verdant Wall fell, there was a silent shift in power.
There was no longer money in assassination jobs.
Instead, intelligence gathering became more profitable.
Many guild members were unhappy with the change in pace.
Many left to become private assassins, thieves, others left to explore the open world.” Murai said somewhat bitterly.
She continued, “to answer your first question.
We need a special kind of muscle to complete this mission.
There are few guilds that could handle this type of job.
Of those select few, only your guild can handle the secrets we are about to uncover.”
“What’s the mission?” Arthos repeated his earlier question.
“Have you heard of a new village named Dawn?
It’s not a village established by NAVA or any of the guilds.
In fact, all records related to Dawn and its founding are sealed away by the Guild and Dungeon Registration Office.
We managed to hack into their database only to discover the records were deleted there too…someone very powerful is covering this up.” Murai said with a gleam in her eye…like a pirate talking about ancient hidden treasure.
“What’s in it for us?” Kristan asked.
“The truth…and information on who is behind the assassination attempts of the precious Princess Elencia.”
Percy shifted his weight, as if caught off guard.
Murai noticed his reaction and let out a satisfied sigh.
‘She is handling us like a pro…and I hate being handled…but we can’t pass this opportunity to uncover who is behind all these assassination attempts.’ Arthos thought to himself as he considered his options. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
“Ok, fine.
We are in…but the moment I sense you trying to betray us, I will end you myself.” Arthos threatened scornfully.
“Normally, I ignore petty threats like those…but coming from you, I will take it seriously.
Come on…lighten up…my poor body still hurts from the thrashing you gave me last week…I hope you are more gentle with our dear Neva…you know…when you are alone…thrashing.” Murai said as she playfully gripped her shoulder pretending to be in pain.
“Enough banter.” Percy said annoyed.
“Cold and direct as ever.
Fine, this way.” Murai said as she stood up and walked down the tunnel.
She led the group far through a narrow made-shift tunnel and down a few additional dirt stairs until they reached a noticeable transition.
The air grew colder and smelled of air conditioning, recycled air, and machine oil.
Down below, some thirty feet, stood a large factory/assembly-line.
The walls, floors, and ceiling appeared to be thick slabs of reinforced concrete supported by a massive steel skeleton.
Harish white strips of LED lights were evenly spaced creating a zebra-like appearance of bright white and dull gray lighting.
A low, constant humming of machines along with rumbling vibrations could be felt…it was like the heartbeat of a buried metal giant.
Like a drum beat, the silence was rhythmically interrupted by the hissing of hydraulics and pounding of steel.
“What is this place?” Arthos asked shocked to see such a large operation underground.
“Take a wild guess.” Murai said playfully.
“Judging by the LED lights, its human made.
Earth made to be more precise.
Oddly, it feels military-like.” Wain shared quietly with the group.
“Handsome and smart…I like you.” Murai said playfully as she caressed Wain’s right bicep.
“Hands off my man…or I will break them.” Kristan threatened harshly.
“Gorgeous and feisty…I like you even more.
Don’t worry, I don’t mind sharing.
We can enjoy a threesome…or just you and I, if you like.” Murai teased as she eyed Kristan from head to toe.
“Enough already.
Just answer the question.” Arthos said annoyed with the constant banter.
“You are no fun.
You see those giant metal doors far in the distance, the secrets we seek are behind those doors.
If we hope to uncover them, we will need to proceed quietly.
“Leave it me us.” Percy said.
A moment later he, Gale, Owen, and Robin climbed across the facility like spiders on a wall.
“WARNING!
WARNING!
Security breach detected!”
“WARNING!
WARNING!
Security breach detected!”
The harsh bright-white LED lights turned red and started flashing everywhere.
Thousands of military style robots appeared armed with guns and energy blades emitting from their wrists causing the air to hum like a room full of bees.
“Damn, they were spotted.” Arthos grumbled in a whisper.
“Look closely at the ceiling, it looks like pressure sensitive plates.” Wain said as he pointed at the ceiling.
“Something tells me she knew.” Kay said coldly as he watched Murai’s expression closely.
“Relax, we came prepared.
Wilfred, Jarvis, now!” Murai shouted with authority.
The two assassins conjured from their inventory small rectangular objects resembling radios with switches and buttons.
They quickly adjusted the dials and turned the switches on.
The small devices came to life emitting a faint blue light.
“Electromagnetic wave jammers.” Wain whispered recognizing the basic design of the two objects.
“Precisely, this will keep the bots from transmitting information off-site.” Murai said with a satisfied smirk.
“Wilfred and Jarvis?
Wait…don’t tell me your twelve assassins are your butlers and bodyguards.” Neva said in disbelief.
Wilfred and Jarvis waved their hands and formed faint smiles behind their masks.
She knew them since she was a little girl and remembered them to be loyal and kind.
“Whatever…just focus on the mission.” Murai said in disgust.
“WARNING!
WARNING!
Security breach detected!”
“WARNING!
WARNING!
Security breach detected!”
“Plan B it is then.” Arthos said right before he jumped down the high ledge onto the polished concrete floor.
Kristan, Wain, Hector, Neva, Kay, Murai, and the twelve assassins jumped down and prepared for battle.