Master Assassin of the Ronan

Chapter 21. The Problematic Assassin (2)

At Grokal’s request, only he and Rubin remained inside the tent.

“Young Master Rubin, do you know of the Blood-Transformation Tribe?”

“Yes, the Blood-Transformation Tribe. They’re a minority tribe known for their shape-shifting abilities.”

The Blood-Transformation Tribe was one of the few minority tribes that possessed unique abilities, just like the Blood-Growth and Blood-Bond Tribes.

If the Blood-Growth Tribe could amplify physical strength by enlarging their bodies, and the Blood-Bond Tribe could communicate with animals—

Then the Blood-Transformation Tribe were those born with the innate ability to transform, an ability difficult even for a Seven-Star Archmage to achieve.

“Weren’t the Blood-Transformation Tribe completely wiped out?”

“You are well-informed.”

After Emperor Telmach’s conquest, the Blood-Growth and Blood-Bond Tribes were integrated into the Empire, but the Blood-Transformation Tribe was not.

The Emperor could not trust them.

That made sense.

The Empire could make use of the abilities to grow large or control animals, if managed correctly.

But the Blood-Transformation Tribe was different.

It was not easy for anyone in the Empire to identify a Blood-Transformation individual who had taken on another form.

Despite being naturally peaceful people, the Emperor feared they might deceive and turn against him at any time.

“About thirty years ago, the Blood-Transformation Tribe lost their homeland. The Emperor gathered all members of the Blood-Transformation Tribe under the pretense of a grand feast, only to slaughter them all. A… blood purge meant to leave none of their kind behind in this world.”

As he quietly listened to the conversation, the phrase ‘blood purge’ echoed in Rubin’s mind.

“Were there any survivors?”

“Yes, but only a very few.”

Rubin watched Grokal’s response closely as he spoke, altering his tone to sound like he was reciting from a history book.

“The Blood-Transformation Tribe escaped and hid throughout the Empire, but within a few years, they were all discovered. Most who were found lost their lives.”

And one more thing.

“The ones who were fortunate enough to survive became the playthings of noble families, their limbs severed.”

“…You seem quite interested in the Blood-Transformation Tribe.”

“I’ve read a lot of different books.”

“So, the rumors were true about the youngest master who stays locked away in the library.”

“And…”

Grokal’s gaze waited expectantly for Rubin to continue. Rubin focused on his eyes, letting a brief pause settle for greater impact.

“I’ve always wanted to meet one. Someone who could transform into any kind of creature… sounds perfect for a plaything.”

A slight tremor flickered in Grokal’s gaze, and Rubin didn’t miss it.

“Do you mean that?”

“Think about it. If you cut off their limbs, wouldn’t they just turn into a limbless dog or cat? That could be amusing.”

“I’ve never thought of it that way.”

As Grokal considered the implications, Rubin rose from his seat.

“Grokal.”

“Yes, Young Master Rubin.”

“So, the target you’re pursuing is from the Blood-Transformation Tribe?”

“Correct.”

“Then there was a Blood-Transformation assassin within the Assassin Blade Family?”

Instead of answering, Grokal nodded.

Leaving a member of the Blood-Transformation Tribe, the Emperor’s enemy, within the Assassin Blade Family…

Rubin hadn’t known of this fact, neither before nor after his regression.

Just how many secrets were there?

“This is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. Lady Seiren, our Lang Execution Unit, and a handful of direct retainers.”

“Should I even know this?”

“We lost the target’s last trace within a 10-kilometer radius. Given that you, Young Master Rubin, are nearby, we cannot predict how the target will respond.”

That made sense.

The target was an assassin who had betrayed the Assassin Blade Family. If such an assassin encountered a member of the Ronan lineage, it wouldn’t end well.

It was information Rubin needed to know for his own protection.

“Even though your retainers are highly skilled, transformation by a Blood-Transformation member is a different matter altogether. When she transforms, her Dark Ripple disappears as well. There’s no way to detect her in advance.”

“She?”

“The Blood-Transformation assassin is a woman. Of course, she can transform into a man, so the information is meaningless.”

Rubin walked towards the tent’s entrance and lifted the flap to peer outside.

To facilitate their conversation, all the retainers and Execution Unit members were standing at a distance.

“Grokal, I have something to ask you.”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

“What would you do?”

“What do you mean?”

“If you were that assassin being pursued by the Execution Unit? If you were a Blood-Transformation assassin.”

Think like the one being chased.

Was Rubin giving him that advice now? Grokal pondered the intent behind Rubin’s question.

“Hmm, if I could think like a Blood-Transformation individual… I wish I could. If that were possible, I would’ve already captured the target. Since I can’t think like the Blood-Transformation, I’m in this current state of confusion.”

Grokal chuckled awkwardly. Rubin turned his back on him.

“I suppose so.”

All the while, Rubin monitored Grokal’s movements. Before Grokal even realized it, Rubin released the remaining Dark Ripple he’d hidden.

In his heightened awareness, he clearly sensed Grokal’s hand moving toward the sheath on his thigh.

Just then—

“Are you planning to kill me? Then transform into me afterward?”

“…!”

Rubin turned around, his eyes under the mask now entirely devoid of calm.

-Rubin!

At that moment, Haneke, who belatedly sensed the danger, called out urgently to Rubin.

Rubin did not release the net-like awareness he had cast on Grokal. No matter what process had led to this moment, it would be unwise to let his guard down against someone capable of subduing Execution Unit Commander Grokal.

‘Haneke, it’s not a simple situation.’

-I know that.

Haneke had already approached Rubin. In fact, he was just about to warn Rubin himself. He’d simply been a moment too late.

-Did you notice? Thanks to your regression? When did you realize?

It had nothing to do with the regression.

His suspicion started from the phrase ‘blood purge.’ When Grokal spoke those words, there was a subtle change in his demeanor.

Rubin had sensed the barely hidden emotions of a Blood-Transformation individual.

Rage. Grief.

A thirst for revenge.

Since Rubin was all too familiar with those emotions himself, he’d noticed them easily.

After that, Rubin had thrown out more mocking comments about the Blood-Transformation Tribe’s tragedy. Although it was only for a split second, Grokal lost his composure again.

And one more thing.

The Execution Unit Rubin knew never referred to themselves with the singular pronoun during a mission, either consciously or unconsciously.

‘If that man had truly been Grokal of the Lang Execution Unit, he would’ve said “we” instead of “I.” That’s the Execution Unit’s way.’

Lastly—

A timely memory from before his regression had also helped.

About three years before his death, Rubin had a conversation with Grokal, who was nearing retirement.

In that conversation, he had confided openly about his past.

‘I once had a miserable failure. I was overpowered by a Blood-Transformation target. Worse, for a while, they impersonated me and even led the Lang Execution Unit in my stead.’

Remembering that conversation had brought the pieces together.

“Come on, tell me. The problematic assassin impersonating Grokal.”

“….”

“I can’t quite figure out your name. My authority doesn’t reach that far yet. So answer me. What’s your name?”

Rubin returned to his seat opposite the Blood-Transformation assassin, sitting as if he held no hostility.

“If you tell me your name, I might be able to connect it to my memories.”

“As expected of Seiren’s son. So, mocking the Blood-Transformation Tribe was to test me?”

“I don’t think this is the time for compliments.”

The Blood-Transformation assassin withdrew her hand from her sheath and crossed her legs, letting her robe ripple as she sat.

Rubin asked directly.

“Were you planning to kill me?”

“Hah, I’m not that reckless. Though, I did intend to use you.”

“As a bargaining chip?”

“I have no desire to live my life constantly pursued by the Execution Unit. Sick of those damned ghost rats… And here I am, having a heart-to-heart with Seiren’s little brat. I must be an utter fool.”

Even though her identity had been discovered, the Blood-Transformation individual maintained an unruffled composure.

“When did you start following me?”

“From the moment you left the gates of Volgton. I sensed an overwhelming amount of Dark Ripple, and when I approached, I saw you and your retainers.”

She hadn’t seen Rubin’s face before, but she knew his retainers well.

“And when I saw your face, I was certain. It was a face reminiscent of the icy Seiren.”

Rubin gripped the armrest of his chair.

For a moment, he thought it might be necessary to curb the Blood-Transformation assassin’s relaxed demeanor.

“Your constant mention of my mother’s name is grating to hear.”

With that, Rubin infused aggression into his Dark Ripple and aimed it at the Blood-Transformation assassin.

When she sensed the sharp, cold, and well-refined Dark Ripple, the Blood-Transformation assassin tensed unconsciously.

“…!”

It wasn’t the tension that arose when facing a formidable opponent but rather the instinctual tension one feels when encountering something eerie and incomprehensible.

Although born into the Blood-Transformation Tribe, she grew up as a member of the Assassin Blade Family.

Although not of their natural Dark Ripple bloodline, her body had inherited a learned form of Dark Ripple.

The very fact that she could feel the Dark Ripple he wielded meant she could gauge its level.

Ordinarily, a young one like him would only be able to handle a level of Dark Ripple around the first tier.

At that stage, Dark Ripple was usually rough and unrefined.

But the Dark Ripple she felt now…

Belonged to someone who had wielded it with expertise for at least several decades.

Rubin continued speaking.

“Are you surprised?”

“….”

“So don’t get too comfortable. Forget any foolish ideas. Even if you transform into me, you won’t be able to replicate such skill.”

With that, Rubin concealed the Dark Ripple once again. It was brief, so even those outside the tent had no chance to detect it.

The skill with which Rubin controlled his Dark Ripple left the Blood-Transformation individual visibly shocked.

“It seems you’re finally listening to me. Thank you.”

“…The term ‘problematic assassin’ should apply to you, not me.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Rubin was the one who had relaxed now.

Even while facing a target pursued by the Execution Unit, Rubin managed a slight smile.

“Now then, Blood-Transformation assassin. There’s still one question you haven’t answered. Your name.”

The Blood-Transformation assassin was already calculating her escape route in her mind.

Outside were two Execution Unit members who hadn’t yet noticed her true identity, along with two of the family’s retainers.

Across from her sat a mysterious and unpredictable Ronan descendant.

Her usual knowledge of Dark Ripple was now irrelevant after her brief encounter with Rubin’s proficient handling of it.

Her plan to kidnap Seiren’s son to resolve the situation with the Execution Unit was beginning to crumble.

‘Should I just run?’

If she put all her strength into it, she could escape. But she was curious about the identity of this child named Rubin.

He didn’t seem hostile. Perhaps she should exchange a few more words.

“Tina Kiruha. That’s my name.”

“…What?”

Tina Kiruha?

The moment the Blood-Transformation assassin revealed her name—

This time, Rubin was the one who was surprised.