Born in Blood

The sounds of stone grinding against stone continued before abruptly stopping. Lloyd took the first step, followed by Liam.

It was a spiral stairway that led downward, illuminated by lit candles, the wax of which didn't seem to melt.

Eventually, they reached a vast base. The square area was made out of uneven stone, lit by white chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. However, the space wasn't furnished.

Connected to the base were dark, clean-cut corridors and alleyways that led further in.

"Liam, young man! I knew you would accept." David spread his arms, greeting the pair as he approached.

He donned his usual white robe, but there seemed to be a veil of happiness over his usually stern face.

Shifting his gaze to Lloyd, David exchanged a quick, blank nod. Before turning back to Liam.

"Let me give you a quick tour."

With that, the robed noble began leading the two down a hallway, their steps creating acute tapping noises.

The narrow corridor led to a much larger, but empty field. The air was cold, stiffening Liam's skin.

However, inscriptions and strange writings covered the floor, around a square perimeter to be exact.

From where the trio were standing, there was a small table upon which different tablets rested.

"Here, you'll learn the ins and outs about the homes of your victims. Also, you'll be briefed and taught more about assassination itself."

David picked up a random tablet, placing it on a hollow compartment inside the table.

Suddenly, the inscriptions on the ground lit up.

Tremors echoed throughout the ground, and from the field, pieces of the earth arose to erect walls and build roofs.

After a few minutes, it resembled a large mansion, similar to the White House from earth.

Liam's jaw was wide open. He simply didn't have any words to describe the scene.

"I'm sure you don't regret your decision already. Let's move on." David grinned, taking Liam out of his stupor.

Lloyd had no particular expression on his face, simply nodding in silence.

'Judging by the mansion… won't my targets be the nobles? No wonder they keep it hidden.'

Liam also confirmed that his job would entail much more difficulty compared to the others, but he expected that much.

Another hallway led to a dungeon-like area. Within the walls were large, dug out holes. Caves, to be precise.

"You'll be assigned one of these 'Ora' caves. They're much more concentrated compared to those above, roughly twice as much."

Liam nodded, forcing back a smile that threatened to appear on his face.

"Your peers are few, but much older than you. Don't be discouraged, though. You're not too far behind."

Along with that area, there was a space made for bathing and wearing clothes. There were even lockers to store personal items in.

"Just a few more things to see, then you can start cultivating and training for your missions."

The next area was a mission room. There were various boards that had leather posters plastered on its surface, explaining the requirements and description of the work.

David didn't linger in that room for too long, quickly showing the rest of the guild areas.

There was also a map room, exuding antiquity and knowledge. It was filled to the brim with parchments that showed the topography of Ucladd, and beyond.

Liam wanted to study the maps in that room, but David had already begun walking.

After that, the trio reached an armory.

However, the exquisite and expensive looking weapons — except the pills — and elegant armors that it had weren't for sale.

Within the armory, a plump, middle-aged lady donning a plain robe sat behind a marble counter. Her hair was ivory blonde, and her irises amber.

"This is Ava. She can answer any inquiries you might have. Also, she's the sole proprietor for techniques and spells you can purchase."

Ava let out a warm smile as she waved her hand.

Liam solemnly nodded.

"If you think a mission is too difficult for you, you can rent out these items with merit points.

"I reckon that's enough explaining. You've got the gist of how things work. Though, there's just a Binding Oath left for you to take."

David's expression held something sinister, causing Liam to inwardly scowl.

"Binding oath?"

Lloyd sighed, breaking his silence. "It's just a simple measure for their teachings not to be disclosed to anyone."

David flicked his wrist, taking out an inscribed stone tablet from his ring.

"Put some 'Ora' into it, and so will I. This constitutes a Binding Oath. If you break our agreement, may your core shatter."

Liam felt a bead of sweat running down his forehead.

"In exchange for our teachings, resources and support, you will never reveal our workings to anyone."

'So that's why Lloyd couldn't tell me anything.' Liam thought.

Liam reluctantly inserted his 'Ora' into the stone, and the tablet glowed with a yellow light.

David did the same.

A moment later, Liam felt a hidden, silent force loom against his abdomen, marking it.

"Now, with that out of the way, you're officially a member."