Preview of Assassin Among Heroes CH22

“Hush and be still.”

The adolescent before him kept screeching and twisting in his restraints. A futile effort.

“Rejoice, young one. Know that the path to the truth will be further revealed with your sacrifice.”

He placed a hand on the youth’s chest, seemingly savoring the crescendo that was his cries.

“Now, enlighten.”

In a flash, the floor becomes stained with blood. The crimson liquid of life covers everything, matting the worn walls like a grotesque canvas of agony. Everything, expect him. His coat remains pristine, not a drop on his body.

He gazed at the remains of his latest Isaac. The heart kept beating for a few more seconds before its rhythm was muted.

He sighed. “Ah, another failure.” Nevertheless, it would not deter him.

The sound of whooshing air graced his ears. He did not move a muscle, for he knew of only one individual who knew of this sanctuary.

“Busy?”

“A mere setback, nothing more. I had wished to try enclosing the form again, but the result remains the same. Too simplistic.” He glanced out of the corner of his eye at the yellow-eyed figure in the darkness. “What is it you wish of me, Kurogiri?”

“I am here to inform you that supplies will be delivered more frequently.”

“...oh? Why, may I ask, is the reason for the change?”

“We have finished the final layer of security, thanks to your help of course. Now we have a full guarantee that outside forces will not poke around where they shouldn’t.”

The man’s expression remains stony. “And what is the catch? While I do not doubt my friend’s capabilities, I know that he hasn’t granted this opportunity to me for free.”

Kurogiri remained silent for a moment. “...there has recently been an unexpected variable in Sensei’s plans. He hopes that, in return for his assistance with your work, you might aid him in…removing said variable.”

The man didn’t respond at first, so Kurogiri continued. “It would not trouble your schedule - just some samples from your work would be a start. In fact, you will most likely not have to leave this location at all.”

The stony man looks down at the ground, contemplating.

“...very well. As long as my path to truth remains unimpeded.”

Kurogiri nodded. “Sensei will be glad to hear. Shall I begin with that one?”

The man waved his hand. “I have nothing to learn from him. Do as you wish.”

As Kurogiri passed by him and enveloped the remains in black mist, the man headed out of the room, fiddling with the beads on his neck.

“So, my old friend is using me…no matter. Charity does not exist for one such as him. As long as it furthers my journey, I care not. An adequate request for all that he has given me, and if it assists in his goal, all the better. Who knows? Perhaps with this, the path will finally be revealed.”

And into the darkness he slunk, the presence of death standing sentinel.