Back in the city
While Isshin, Rune, and Karin were walking along a crowded street, they heard an unusual voice.
Want to know your destiny?" offered an elderly man next to a tattered tent, under a wooden signboard that creaked in the wind, FUTURES REVEALED.
He looked harmless enough — worn-out robes, gentle face, eyes like they'd seen too much.
Karin hesitated. "It is probably a scam, but I am curious.".
Could be enjoyable," Rune shrugged.
Isshin nodded. "Let's see what he says."
The man waved them over to his shop behind the booth. Isshin went in first — and as soon as he was inside, his system flashed.
Hostile intent detected.
Without hesitation, Isshin turned and lifted his arm. Three assassins leapt from the shadows — one from each side of the room — but he was already in motion. In one swift moment, he deflected the first knife, sidestepped the second, and punched the third in the throat.
Rune and Karin followed immediately, overwhelming the attackers with clean precision.
The fortune teller spun and made a run for the rear door — but didn't make it before Isshin moved and slammed him to the floor, wrist locked.
Who brought you here?" Isshin asked coldly.
You're not getting any answers," sneered the man.
Isshin's eyes narrowed. "It's the Zeldyr Clan, obviously. Who else would be looking for me at this point?
The fortune teller's eyes twitched. He clamped his jaws shut to bite down on a poison pill hidden under his tongue — but Rune got there first, yanking his jaws wide and pulling it out.
Confess now, or suffer a more painful death than you've ever dreamed of," Rune said quietly.
That broke him.
"I was just instructed to entice you. Bait the trap. That is all! Ivan Zeldyr commanded me — please, release me."
Isshin rose. "Possibly. If you help us eliminate them, though.".
They concocted a plan — to utilize the fortune teller as bait for the one who gave the order. The assassins' garments were taken off, and Isshin, Rune, and Karin wore disguises.
Are you sure we shouldn't inform Sensei of this?" Karin questioned, tugging on the assassin's cloak.
"Sometimes," Rune replied, "we must do it ourselves."
That Night – Forest Outskirts The fortune teller stood beside a dark grove. Shortly, a hooded man appeared.
They're all dead," said the fortune teller, who sounded distressed. "You can send the remainder of the commission now.".
Where are the bodies?" the man said gruffly.
"We were unable to take them out," Isshin spoke softly. "There are too many eyes. We'll require backup to transfer them."
A pause of many years. After which, a tongue click.
Tch. I'll send men tomorrow. You'll be paid when we see the bodies.
The figure in the cloak turned to depart. The group discreetly followed from afar, treading carefully—until all was dark.
Moments Later
Isshin, Rune, and Karin woke up drowsily, bound to a tree. In front of them was Khalid, arms folded, uncaring.
What were you thinking?" he demanded, completely serious.
No one replied.
"You knew that man was going back to the Zeldyr estate. What were you going to do when you got there? Negotiate them into surrendering?"
They remained silent.
Khalid shook his head. "Look i know its a problem with Franz but i will ensure they dont do anything by speaking with the academya
He released them and departed without saying another word.
Later That Day – Academy Meeting Hall
The senior staff of the academy were in a quiet council meeting.
"You can't just barge in h—"
The professor's sentence hung unfinished as Khalid kicked open the doors, pushing them, and dragged the bodies of the three assassins inside, dumping them before the meeting table.
Everyone gazed. "Why are there assassins on the academy grounds?" Khalid demanded, his voice slicing. "You can't just toss corpses on the—" Who here is dealing with the Zeldyr clan?" Khalid roared. "Who is allowing noble houses to send assassins after students in our care? Nobody said anything. "I may not have the position I once did," Khalid continued, eyes sharp, "but I still have the power to burn this entire place down if I need to. Don't forget that."