Does the Assassin Girl Dream of the Mana Doll?

Start of the Mission

After the client left, Greg wasted no time. With a swift snap of his fingers, a hidden section of the wall opened without a sound, revealing two figures: Ghost, the girl, and a slightly anxious man in his late twenties.

“So, Ghost, did he lie about anything?”

“He spoke nothing but the truth,” she responded calmly. “There were no lies.”

Greg nodded, seemingly satisfied with her straightforward answer. The reason he had her hidden was precisely for this purpose. She possessed several unique abilities, one of which was a keen proficiency in detecting magic.

Magic, the art of harnessing the mystical energy known as mana, was an extraordinary phenomenon in this world. It granted one the ability to perform incredible feats by tapping into the mana that saturated the very air. However, only a minority possessed the innate talent to manipulate mana, making them highly valued and esteemed.

These gifted individuals were commonly known as mages, and among them, those who specialized in healing magic were called healers.

Many mages sought positions in the service of royalty and nobility, as their powers were often employed as weapons in times of conflict. Consequently, their focus primarily centered around offensive magic, as their value and treatment were directly linked to their performance on the battlefield. It was the path they followed to improve their status and standing.

Among mages, it was uncommon for them to specialize in subtle forms of magic, such as detection. However, in various other fields like scouting, thievery, and even among the adventurers, the art of detection held significant worth. Naturally, it was particularly advantageous for assassins.

To become an assassin with magical prowess was a rare phenomenon. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily, Ghost possessed such abilities. Furthermore, in her relentless pursuit of mastery, she had developed a distinctive magical skill: the power to discern falsehoods.

This particular magic proved to be incredibly valuable in the realm of assassination contracts, which was precisely why Greg kept her concealed by his side.

“Hans, how much time do you need to gather the necessary information?” Greg asked.

“Given the possibility of Lord Curtis becoming a potential target in the future, I had already anticipated the necessity for it. I’ve conducted comprehensive investigations, and I believe I’ve acquired enough information to meet the mission’s requirements,” Hans responded.

“Perfect, just as I had expected,” Greg nodded, content with his answer.

Hans, being involved in the underworld, lacked physical prowess. However, his intellect and ability to think on his feet made him an invaluable asset in this line of work.

He had a natural inclination for attention to detail, a logical thought process, and a cautious demeanor that ensured he left no stone unturned. Consequently, he had taken on the role of the guild’s vault custodian and had become an indispensable figure in gathering information.

“Alright, we can proceed without any problems. Hans, bring the compiled information as soon as you have it ready. Ghost, make sure you have all the necessary equipment prepared,” Greg instructed.

“Got it.”

“Understood.”

Both Hans and Ghost nodded in acknowledgement and promptly began carrying out their designated tasks.

“Now, shall we go and make some profit?” Greg remarked, a mixture of excitement and determination reflected in his gleeful and intense smile.

***

Once Ghost returned to her room, she wasted no time in opening the closet. Carefully, she inspected its contents and began selecting the items she deemed necessary for the mission.

The first item on her list was the armor. Considering the nature of the mission, there was a possibility of direct combat. Additionally, encounters with monsters or bandit attacks along the way were not out of the question. In such circumstances, it was crucial to have protective gear beyond the bare minimum.

Ghost retrieved a leather chest plate from the closet. It had been meticulously crafted from high-quality leather, treated with special chemicals to achieve a delicate balance of hardness and lightweight properties. This specific type of leather, referred to as rigid leather, granted her the necessary freedom of movement while providing ample coverage to safeguard vital organs without compromising her agility.

Afterward, she carefully removed the vambraces and greaves, both crafted from the same resilient material, ensuring their condition was satisfactory. Upon inspection, the well-maintained gear appeared to be in perfect working order.

Following that, she reached for a short sword, a weapon known for its simplicity and practicality, devoid of any ornate decorations. Drawing it from its sheath, she assessed the sharpness of the blade and the sturdiness of its hilt. Delicate grooves adorned the sides of the blade, an uncommon feature in this region where slightly curved, single-edged blade like this were not often seen.

While her usual line of work often called for a dagger, the possibility of encountering monsters on this mission required a weapon of greater potency. Among the weapons she was familiar with, this particular short sword happened to be the most suitable option.

Additionally, she ensured to prepare an instantly effective neurotoxin to have at her disposal in case of emergencies. While it wouldn’t result in immediate fatality, it had the ability to swiftly incapacitate an opponent.

Then she packed a lantern equipped with a shutter mechanism, offering a sustainable light source through magical means instead of relying on oil. The adjustable shutter allowed her to regulate the brightness according to her needs. Various tools for lockpicking and other purposes were also included in her preparations.

In preparation for camping, she packed essential items such as a blanket, sleeping mat, and a leather pouch for carrying drinking water. With meticulous care, she organized them in a backpack for convenient transportation. Though she didn’t often rely on these provisions, she diligently maintained them during her spare time, ensuring they remained in excellent working condition.

As for preserved food for the journey, she concluded it would be best to arrange it just before the departure.

Feeling content and assured after thoroughly inspecting her equipment, she nodded in satisfaction. Her preparations were now complete. The only remaining task was to gather the necessary information to finalize her readiness.

With that in mind, she consolidated her equipment in a corner of the room and proceeded to do her daily stretching routine, diligently maintaining the flexibility and strength of her body.

After ensuring that her body was in optimal condition without any issues, she settled into bed, preparing for the upcoming day. She entered a state of rest, not fully asleep but lying down and allowing her mind to relax.

***

Author’s Note:

Knowing is not what instills fear.

It was said that true fear lies in not knowing and failing to understand.

Confronted with an unprecedented formidable adversary, yet she does not falter.

Up next: To the Forest of Ruins

What does the deep forest hide? Perhaps the doings of mankind.