Aria led Ethan through the mansion's grand halls, the opulence of the place was fascinating.
"This is our training facility," she said, gesturing to an expansive open field with a hard floor. "Each clan member hones their assassination skills here."
The training area was immaculate, with a variety of equipment designed for both stealth and combat training.
Ethan observed the intricate setups, each designed to test and refine the skills of the clan's members. The place radiated a sense of discipline and dedication, a presentation of the clan's rigorous standards.
The tour continued, showcasing the mansion's beauty and sophistication. The architecture was a blend of grandeur and elegance, with ornate decorations and lush gardens. It was clear that the mansion was not just a residence but a symbol of the clan's status and influence.
Despite the impressive surroundings, Ethan felt the sting of Drake Silvermoon's disdainful comment.
The young noble's contempt was annoying as he sneered at Ethan.
"Tsk… Country bumpkin!" Drake's voice was filled with condescension.
Ethan, accustomed to worse past life, chose to ignore the insult. Engaging with a spoiled young master seemed pointless, especially when he had more pressing matters to focus on.
Aria's face flushed with anger. She turned sharply toward Drake.
"Drake, what is your problem? Why are you insulting Ethan again?"
Drake's expression remained stubborn.
"Why shouldn't I, sister Aria? He's just a commoner. You should be careful with whom you associate. What will other nobles think of you?"
Ethan could only chuckle inwardly at the absurdity. The concept of nobility seemed so alien to him—after all, weren't nobles once commoners themselves? It was a strange notion that status was inherent rather than earned.
Drake's voice grew more scornful.
"And don't think you're special just because General Leon praised you. It's probably a mistake on his part. You can't possibly compare to us."
Aria's eyes blazed with fury. She stepped in front of Ethan, her posture radiating authority. "Drake… shut up! It's not your place to decide who I befriend or not. If you insult Ethan again, you'll face punishment from me."
The tension filled the air as Aria's anger boiled over.
Drake's usual arrogance seemed to falter for a moment under her fierce gaze. The silence that followed was heavy, and Ethan could sense the shift in the atmosphere.
He hurriedly stepped in. "Let it go Aria. Don't argue with a kid."
Hearing this, Drake fumed more. "Hey, who are you calling a kid, peasant? Do you know who I am? You're just a low level hunter, while I am a D-Rank Assassin. Who is the kid here, stupid?" He asked, fuming.
Ethan began to feel a little embarrassed as the kid was right. He should have said his piece carefully. After all he was one year old than Drake, still at level while Drake was a whole league above him.
[ Appraisal ]
[ Name: Drake Silvermoon ]
[ Age: 17 ]
[ Level: 26 ]
[ Affiliation: Silvermoon Assassin Clan ]
The data was a little shocking, also as expected of Drake. He was whole 16 level higher than Ethan. Moreover he might have hidden assassin skills with him.
"If you have the guts, duel me one on one. I will show what your true worth is. Come!" Drake said arrogantly, stepping in the middle of the training field. His hand revealed mocking gestures.
There were other members present as well. They noticed the commotion and gathered around.
Ethan looked a little hesitant, should he duel with him or not?
"Don't fall for his provocation Ethan, he is really powerful. While you just started your journey. You cannot compete with him right now. You have still have time, don't worry," Aria said consoling him.
But, how could he let Drake taunt him like this?
"Haha! Scared? Don't worry I won't kill you." Drake mocked, looking smug.
At last, Ethan decided to teach him a lesson. Like this, he could also learn to fight a human. And their assassination skills intrigue him a little. Can he overcome their skills while using the evolved skills from his Synthesis?
He was not scared, rather he felt a little excited about the upcoming battle.
"Fine! I accept your challenge." Ethan said stepping forward with his sword in his hand.
"Ethan, No, You shouldn't.." Aria was about to stop him, but Ethan cut him off while shaking head. It was now matter of a pride.
Ethan's confidence eased Aria a little. She revealed a soft smile tinged with worry.
She prepared herself for any unfortunate accident to fall on Ethan.
Ethan confidently went to middle stage facing Drake opposite to him.
The crowd gathered more, sensing an inevitable fight coming. They noticed Ethan was unfamiliar here and his eye-catching Skeletal Sword caught their attention.
"Young man, if you're here for a friendly duel, no weapons allowed here." An Instructor stepped forward in the middle. He recognised Drake and gave respective bow and faced Ethan with authority. "It is for your own good youngster!"
"Sure!" Ethan just smiled and returned the Sword to Aria.
Aria took the sword and looked at with interest. "Where did he get this sword from? It's probably a D-Grade sword or above."
She didn't ask considering he was about to face a difficult opponent.
"Okay, get into your position." The Instructor started to act as a middleman.
Drake looked overflowed with confidence while Ethan was focused completely. He was facing an assassin after all.