RMA 51

chapter 51

Late at night.

Loria felt a chill similar to when a friend once said during a school trip, “Something’s behind you.”

She quickly scanned her surroundings, shivering, but sensed nothing.

Then, she shot a glare at Lawrence, who seemed ready for another mischievous trick.

“Don’t joke around, you—”
“It’s not a joke. Seriously, be careful, okay?”
“…….”

Lawrence smiled faintly. The flickering shadow calmed down.

So he was waiting to see what would happen.

Well, they wouldn’t attack openly. If I were them… yeah, they’d probably wait for the day of the extermination campaign.

These were people who would gladly kill without getting their hands dirty. As long as they could have a clear alibi, they wouldn’t act rashly.

After sending Loria back, worried, Lawrence returned to his room. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the approach felt strangely familiar.

Wait a second…

Closing his eyes, Lawrence recalled old memories. The assassin who used to keep him company when he was confined to a small room for research. Some of the conversations he had with that shadowy figure were still vivid. The assassin had said:

“My name? Why do you want to know? Still… I suppose I can tell you.”
“Ades Venoman. I like to talk, and I tend to wander a lot.”
“Why don’t I base myself in a family stronghold? Well… long-term missions, mostly.”

Long-term missions, he had said. He wasn’t suited to staying in one place. But the most telling clue:

“I enjoy conversing with my assassination targets, Ades Venoman.”

Ping!

Simultaneously, a shadowy figure coated in poison sprang from the darkness—an attack impossible to dodge or counter.

But attacks without aura were useless against Lawrence.

[Dragon Scale]

The attack clanged harmlessly to the floor. The poisoned blade even gave off a sweet smell from the tip, indicating meticulous preparation. Even that had no effect on Lawrence.

[Negative Energy]
[Absorbs negative energy.]

“Heh. Come on out, sir.”
“…….”

No response came. Lawrence chuckled and spoke to the air as if to himself. Taking cautious steps, he advanced toward the shadow.

“Wow, such impatience for an assassin. Lord Venoman would be pleased to see this. Should I catch you and bring you along?”
“…….”

Through his eyes, Lawrence could clearly see the flickering mana. Though perfectly blended with the shadow, its essence could not be hidden. Unless one became nature itself, human mana would always feel slightly off.

Shall I give him a little surprise?

Lawrence approached the shadow slowly and activated an artifact without any warning.

[Iron Spear]

Shing-shing-shing!

Steel spear blades rained down from the air. The deadly steel struck the shadow precisely.

“Argh!”
“Heh. There you are, Ades.”
“Y-You… how did you notice!?”

The eldest son of the Venoman family had no choice but to roll aside, drawing a sharp dagger from his clothes and aiming at Lawrence.

This isn’t what we agreed on. Why is there a monster here instead of a little kid!?

What the hell is this guy? A shadowless spear? Is that even possible? And… how did he know my habits? Has he already done his reconnaissance? Or…

His mind was in chaos. Was there an insider? Or… what on earth was going on?

Lawrence felt both glad and annoyed. The annoyance wasn’t toward Ades but toward Medea. Seeing Ades flustered brought a strange sense of satisfaction.

[Current target shows mild ADHD symptoms.]
[Term drawn from the Artificer’s knowledge as the most suitable descriptor.]
[Long-term missions are difficult; always distracted and talkative.]
[Artifact for healing: Engraving – High Concentration]

So that’s it…

At first, Lawrence had been puzzled. He had been told the assassin liked to talk and couldn’t concentrate well. He had countless interests and knowledge. Conversations could easily veer off-topic.

All those behaviors were due to this condition. Lawrence was impressed. Even in modern society, mental disorders exist—so why not here? Most likely, many remained undiscovered.

“Planning to run away? That wouldn’t be wise. I’ve seen your face and have this dagger here.”
“…….”
“Instead, I’ll make you a proposal. Ades, I know why you left your family.”
“Ha… who exactly are you?”

Ades realized staying silent was useless. The only realistic option was to run, but Lawrence had him cornered.

Gotta prevent a wanted notice from being issued.

He half-surrendered, waiting for Lawrence to continue.

“Restlessness, constant desire to leave, an overwhelming flood of information… Your high mission success rate is due to this. You focus on gathering information rather than acting because of it.”
“You… who are you really? And that ridiculous casting speed?”
“Lawrence Montemer. Youngest of the Montemer family.”
“…….”

A monster.

Ades felt true fear for the first time in his life—a fear he never thought he’d feel outside his family. He had felt it during training but was now a skilled assassin.

They want me to assassinate someone this powerful? That damned woman…

His resentment naturally shifted toward Medea, who had failed to properly understand the target. Meanwhile, Lawrence’s words reached Ades’ ears:

“I will completely cure your condition. In return… you will work for me.”
“Ha, damn it—.”

How could he endure that? How could he believe it? Ades’ frustration deepened.

Part 2

Having barely escaped the little monster, Ades perched atop a building roof, swinging his legs, deep in thought.

Everything Lawrence said was correct. Assassins needed patience.

But he was anything but patient. Too much information gave him headaches, and he could never free himself from distractions. Talking aimlessly had always been his way to cope. Without early training, he wouldn’t have managed even that.

But… can he really cure me?

Logically, the correct move would be to complete the contract. The Montemer family had requested it, after all. Connections could solve political, financial, or logistical issues far more efficiently. Naturally, you would choose someone you already knew.

But…

Should I trust him? The contract is already void…

He twirled his dagger—a habitual action whenever his thoughts swirled. Without it, his attention would drift elsewhere.

Guess I have no choice. I’ll have to trust him once. He even wrote a contract, that level of confidence…

He had observed countless people—walking, fighting, talking. All that information, though overwhelming, was precious data.

The little kid wasn’t lying. There was something real about him.

Besides… that kid’s poison was no joke. Hah, what to do? Maybe stop by the casino? Penalties? Oh, what’s this? Curious…

In the end, Ades didn’t dwell on it. He had no further plans to target Lawrence or Loria. The young master would be called once the job was complete.

“Time for a game.”

He chose a casino where he could stay up all night.

Part 3

The next morning, before dawn, Lawrence went to the training ground to warm up.

He jumped, tested artifact capacities, and moved vigorously. Then, he swung a wooden sword back and forth.

Layla. The overwhelming skill of the expert’s swordsmanship unfolded seamlessly in his hands.

Observing from a distance, the tower master and Elder Duncan spoke:

“Seems like they’re trying to snatch the youngest from the academy, huh?”
“Hmm… even if they try, they won’t shine.”
“Why not?”
“He can’t use aura.”

Duncan nodded calmly, unsurprised. Indeed, Lawrence was a body without a mana core—a cursed condition, one could say.

“Fascinating.”
“There are many things in this world beyond our knowledge or comprehension. Always remain humble.”
“Hmm…”

As sweat began to bead on Lawrence’s body, cadets appeared. Perhaps due to duel rules, they looked relaxed.

“Huahhh—”
“Hey! Peter, finish quickly, got it?”
“Of course. But he’s a mage—what’s with fighting with swords…?”

Snickers escaped. Lawrence had already drawn his sword.

[Peter]—a commoner, yet always among the top cadets, a promising vanguard candidate.

“Even for nobles, duels are sacred law.”
“Yeah. So hurry up. Don’t stall—we need exercise.”
“Arrogant brat…”

Best-of-three matches. Winners advanced. Losers remained silent.

Lawrence smirked at Peter, who entered the arena without warming up. Who’s the arrogant one, really?

Well, since he’s a mage, it should end with magic.

They agreed to fight with swords? Then…

“You ready? Peter, don’t kill, right?”
“Understood.”

Hahaha! Laughter echoed among the cadets. Obvious intent. They weren’t children—but they were.

“Let’s begin. Just don’t kill, okay?”
“If possible, I will.”

Argon Bradley, chief instructor of the Imperial Central Military Academy, watched with a reluctant expression. Lawrence quietly nodded, and the duel began.

“Start!”
“Arrogant brat!”

Whoosh!

A sharp strike flew toward Lawrence, but it was far slower than Layla’s attacks. He dodged easily, activating his artifact.

[Iron Sword]

Swish!

Steel blades sprouted just before his forehead. Everyone gasped in surprise.

“Wait, weren’t we fighting with swords?”
“…….”

Even the Iron Sword was, in the end, still a sword.