IGIWS FIRST DRAFT: Vol.7 Ch.396 The Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

Viscount William Lysander was back in the domain of Silverhaven in the far eastern part of Fiafyr. His lands stretch along the Azure Sea coast and his port cities are the only major hubs to trade with the Wasser Continent and beyond.

The Viscount was irritated as he was busily working to save Alaric's secret black market ventures after the Dark Elf has done so much damage in the background. From finding and pillaging the Duke's hidden vaults inside of the Veridian Enclave, to buying up the debts of the merchants that were involved with secretly transporting the contraband in the Fiafyr kingdom, to infiltrating shell businesses and destroying their stock and stealing the items, Rya's goal was to ruin the Duke's influence and reputation. It has already been three weeks since the Dark Elf's attack and William has done little to repair the damage. What took decades to create was gone in the span of a few weeks. And the worst part was that no one knew who was responsible. All the evidence pointed to Alaric's own people, even though they knew it was her. But the Dark Elf had covered her tracks perfectly. No one could pin the destruction of the Duke's financial empire on the dark elf and it drove both William and Alaric mad.

The only saving grace was the fact that Rya's Golems seemed to only be in the western part of the Silverhaven Domain. William never spotted any of those hooded beauties walking the streets and markets of his two port cities. It was as if the Golems couldn't go a certain radius away the Dark Elf. It was a relief for sure, but the radius of her influence was still insanely far. All she needed to do was travel a couple hundred miles east and then her puppets can take control of the docks and the trade ships and she would effectively ruin the last threads of the Duke's black market empire cutting off the rest of his hidden cash flow.

William was pacing back and forth in his office at the Merchant's Guild branch in the largest port city in Fiafyr, Malabar. William used this building as his secret base of operations, and the guild was an excellent front to hide his real activities. But instead of finding ways to extort money under the guise of tariffs he was in a room with Alaric's Speaker Mage, Ivy, her lone muscular bodyguard with a massive broadsword, Bruce, and a sickly looking man with orange eyes with his hood up, brooding in the corner with his arms crossed.

"How long is this going to take?" The hooded man asked in a tired voice.

"It will take as long as it takes... Why are you complaining? You are getting paid to sit on your ass, aren't you!?" William snapped at the man.

The orange eyes man smirked a bit, but then William pulled out a small necklace that had a glowing pearl sized pendant and channeled his Mana through it making the man turn away and shielded his face from the radiant light.

"I'm going to suck you dry if you pull the fucking thing out once more, human," the orange-eyed man growled.

The Viscount smirked with satisfaction as the Lesser Vampire hissed in annoyance. William had the perfect leash around his neck.

The necklace was made from an radiant metal that falls from the sky during the day. This unusual metal seems to fall down on the other side of the planet when the moons pull in negative energy. It's like a magnet but for the elements and not for the physical metal. The rare metal is called Star Metal, and it has properties that weaken the undead and even kill lesser undead if the metal is pure enough.

William's smirk faded as he clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Tsk! And I thought your tag said you were an Umbralis-ranked assassin? Don't tell me that the mighty Assassin's Society has become lax? Or have the standards for your members dropped?" The Viscount said sharply before putting away the pendant.

The vampire's grimace faded and he went back to looking bored, "I earned my rank after a hundred years, human. You were probably still suckling at your mother's teat when I got it. But I've lost count of how many centuries passed since then. You can't blame me for forgetting how long ago it was," he said in a smug tone.

William wasn't pleased with the man's attitude. Especially since all the human assassins seemed to vanish this last decade. "Oh, really? So, you were able to kill Wina Daz? A human assassin with the same rank as you?" The Viscount asked pointedly.

The hooded vampire eye twitched for a brief moment but the assassin quickly composed himself.

"You speak of the Oath Breaker, yes? She is a... Unique human. Very few ever get to an Umbralis-ranked assassin. Regardless, she will meet the faith that all Oath Breakers deserve. Forever Darkness," the Vampire confidently.

The Viscount snorted, "Oh!? So, she's still alive? So, did a Vampire travel all the way to Agon, only to steal a tag off of one of your fallen brothers, or did the Assassin's Society give away tags and a new name?" William sneered at the Vampire.

Bruce sighed at the antics of the Viscount and looked over at Ivy, who had her eyes closed and her hands were hovering over her artifact with a slight glow.

'I don't know how Ivy can block out these two, but it is impressive,' Bruce thought before focusing on the room and listening for intruders.

"The Oath Breaker is unique. She is one of the best on this continent and has weakened the Agon Creed. However, her, her lover, and little child won't be a problem when he comes," the orange eyed assassin said.

William looked at the lesser undead with an unimpressed expression and was about to insult him once more when, Ivy's artifact pulsed. The Duke had her other artifact and channeled his Mana through it to signal her to that he was ready to talk.

"He has receive the message," Ivy whispered softly and then closed her eyes and began muttering her incantation.

"Thank the fates! I was worried that I had to be stuck in here for the week with three personalities of the most irritating kind!" William let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"You are the most annoying one, Viscount," the orange-eyed vampire said.

"I'm a noble. I was born with that right, leech," snapped the ever so high and mighty Viscount as he straightened his posture, before looking over to the Speaker Mage.

The assassin was about to reply, but the Duke's image popped in a spectacular fashion. He looked like he was a as his upper half of his translucent body came into view. With Rya or Quinus were there they would have thought they were using a hologram, like something in a science fiction movie.

The vampire grimaced as the Viscount got the last jab in... For now. But he stood to make himself more presentable to his future client.

"Duke Alaric Revelia, I pursue. It's a pleasure to finally—"

"What in the hells happened to you? You look terrible Alaric. Did the party go that poorly," William cut in, which made Alaric frown worse. If looks could kill, William would have been dead by the intensity of the Duke's glare.

"I could say them same about YOU, William," Alaric shot back.

William looked confused as he checked his person to see what was wrong with him, and found nothing.

Alaric shook his head and sighed, "I meant the scruff on your face and unkept hair, I can smell your filth from here."

"I just woke up from a nap and you possibly smell as bad as—"

"You! Assassin! What's your name?" Alaric said as he turned his head to look at the hooded man.

"We the members of the Assassin's Society don't give our names. But you may refer to me as, Orange," the Vampire said in a serious voice.

"Orange... How original. Well, Mr. Orange, you have my permission to kill William if he inputs me again," Alaric said and looked back at William with a sinister glare.

William looked like someone had knocked the wind out of him.

"W-Why are you coming after me, Alaric!? I'm doing everything to keep your—"

"Because you are bringing up business in front of someone who isn't under my employment. You have lost your mind if you keep bringing up my secret business in front of the help. If I were there, I would have slit your throat, you imbecile!" the Duke snarled.

Ivy's artifact flared bright purple as the Duke's angry words and his Mana coursed through the orb, which caused William to step back. After a moment to reflect, he realized that his only friend was right. The stress of avoiding Rya's golems and trying to repair the financial damage and keep it hidden from the nobles had him stressed and losing his touch.

"My apologies, My Lord... It won't happen again," William said solemnly.

Alaric glared at William for a moment and then he closed his eyes and sighed, "Mr. Orange... What rank assassin are you?"

"I am Umbralis-ranked and the most famous member of the society on the Neso Continent, I assure you. I'm not some common thief that the Society uses to kill small fish. I'm a professional, My Lord," the orange-eyed Vampire said, his voice dripping with pride.

The Duke couldn't help but sense a bullshit artist and the Duke was no stranger to it.

"Really now? You left the Neso Continent to come here? Were you becoming too famous that the Angels took notice? Or were you getting lazy?" the Duke asked the vampire, his tone dripping with skepticism.

The hooded vampire didn't take the bait and just nodded his head, "Something like that. And you should be thankful for it. I am the best. You can put aside your doubts, and hire me. I will find whoever you want and—"

"How about killing a Dark Elven Princess, who is a multi-elemental mage with Time Space magic as her most dangerous and healer that puts to shame all the famous healers of the past combined, and has the Fiafyr Royal Family under her thumb," Alaric asked, cutting the assassin off.

"I'm sorry. What?" the Orange-eyed vampire was stunned for a moment. He was caught off guard by the absurdity of the Duke's request.

"Did I stutter, Mr. Orange? Or have your ears and brain rotted away?" Alaric shot back.

"I... It's just I thought that the Dark Elves were close to extinction," the hooded man said with uncertainty.

The disappointment in Alaric's voice was palpable. "You know, Mr. Orange, if you are going to lie to my face, the least you can do is put a bit of conviction behind it. You tell me that you, a lesser undead was able to make a name for himself on the very continent that houses most of the Gods of Virtue and their fanatic worshipers who would salivate at the possibility to eares an undead from their lands. And that you are the most powerful assassin in the continent, yet you don't know about the most famous news that is sweeping the Agon Continent!? Princess Rya Vellanax! The revered and worshipped Saintess who helped save the Crown Prince. Her influence spreads when she isn't trying! And you never heard of her!?" Alaric was losing patience with the assassin.

"I don't get involved in the political arena. I kill people and collect my coin. I don't care what's going on," Orange said as he tried to act as casual as possible.

The Duke's gaze darkened and his voice became deathly cold, "Mr. Orange, either you are a fool, or a liar. I've hired many Umbralis-ranked assassins, and you don't come off as an Umbralis-ranked assassin. Hells, you don't come off as a Mortis-ranked assassin," the Duke said with contempt.

The hooded man was shocked that this human saw right through him. But he composed himself and tried to salvage the conversation.

"I'm no fool, My Lord. And I'm definitely not a Mortis-ranked assassin," Orange stated.

"If you are lying to me, Mr. Orange. Unless you have the credentials to prove me wrong," Alaric warned, his voice taking on an edge.

Orange lips pressed into a line. He hated how sharp this human was, but he needed scores and he hoped that showing the tag would help him gain favor.

"I'm no liar. But I'll prove it to you," the Vampire said and reached into his cloak, producing the item that would prove his rank.

Orange pulled out a thin leather pouch. He carefully opened the flap and slid out the two items. First was a black metal medallion that had an inscription of an eye with a drop of blood falling from it. It was the symbol of the Assassin's Society.

William raised an eyebrow at the sight of the medallion, however he looked unimpressed.

Alaric waited for the most important item that proved Orange's rank. And when the man pulled out an enchanted black card, that was the size of a credit card, and a gold engraved dagger with a black leather handle on the back side of the card. And on the other side was a jet black with veins of molten gold and a number in the middle it proved that he was a Umbralis Assassin. The number was how many people he had killed.

Alaric nodded his head slightly, "Impressive, Mr. Orange. You have my respec—"

Alaric almost missed it, but one of the teeth on the skull had a slight engraving on it. Most people wouldn't have taken a second glance at it. However, the tag that this vampire had came from a assassin that Alaric hired in the past. He was his go-to man until to moved up into an "administration" position within the Agon Assassin's Society. That's when Alaric needed to replace Aces Dax with Wina Daz.

Alaric's eyes narrowed and he felt like the air had suddenly become much colder. 'No... Aces... Did that bitch kill him!? No, it doesn't matter let. I need for this parasite to drop his facade,' the Duke thought.

Orange noticed the change of mood and the hair on the back of his neck was on end.

"William? How many of your men are at your disposal?" the Duke asked, not looking away from the Vampire.

William was taken aback by the sudden shift and then he was confused.

"The Mage's bodyguard is in here with me and I have a few of my men standing guard outside the room," the Viscount replied.

"Bruce! Prepare to kill this thing fails to be upfront with my final question," the Duke said, his eyes never leaving Orange's.

Brace only responded by grabbing the hilt of his giant sword and took a battle stance, waiting for the order.

Orange took a defensive stance and stepped away from Bruce.

"You humans are paranoid! It's no wonder you hired a Oath Breaker—"

"You a grave robber as well, Leech!? That tag belongs to an assassin named Aces Dax... If you want to walk out of here standing, then you better come clean," Alaric said, his voice full of anger.

William's eyes widened, and the assassin froze. He wasn't expecting that.

'What did I miss!? Damn human! Crap! He's not going to hire me if he knows the truth!'

Bruce slowly started pulling his board sword from the sheath on his back.

Orange grimaced as he had no choice if he wanted to survive.

"Alright, I'll admit it. I'm not an Umbralis. But I have killed a few dozen people," Orange said with resignation.

"Show me your RANK!" the Duke barked.

Orange looked down and sighed. Then he produced another tag from his pouch, this one had the same color scheme as the previous one but the skull was gray and the number was 41.

Alaric gritted his teeth and ran his hand through his gray hair in frustration. Orange not only wasn't an Umbralis, or a Mortis. Hell, he wasn't even a Tenebrae, or a Noctis. He was a bottom-of-the-barrel Vesperis assassin. And even though he did have a fair amount of kills, the dull gray skull was a indicator that they were most likely all peasant kills.

"You haven't been in Agon that long, correct?" Alaric asked as he was still massaging his temples to ease the building headache.

Orange could only nod as he couldn't keep up the charade. "I've only been here for a month. I knew the risks with the Oath Breaker, and her family running amok the Agon's Assassin's Society. But then I wouldn't be dealing with a noble of high regard, like you, Duke Revelia," the Vampire said with a weak smile.

Alaric was studying him with a critical eye, and this was the first time this Vampire has been honest with him. After what seemed like an eternity, Alaric's harsh demeanor, softened slightly.

"How bad is the situation?" the Duke asked, his voice low.

"Let's say the Oath Breaker has garnered the attention garnered of Lord Oren Stroud's son, Victor. Things in the shadows of Agon, are about to become more chaotic.

This was news that Alaric didn't like. Lesser Vampires were trouble to deal with. But if you knew you were dealing with one or more of them then they were trivial as they are extremely vulnerable during the day. They wouldn't burst out in flames if exposed to the sunlight. But their skin will dry up and peel off, exposing their dead tissue, making them look like monsters, while at the same time weakening them to such a state that even a commoner with the weakest mana vein could kill them. But a High Vampire or worse, a Master Vampire didn't have as severe of weaknesses. And Victor was an extremely rare third-generation Master Vampire of the family who started the Assassin's Society in three of the continents.

They were cunning, they were dangerous, and whatever was keeping the vampires from coming into Agon must be gone, thanks to Wina's efforts.

"So, a Master Vampire wishes to come to our continent. Why? Is this the beginning of an invasion? A conquest?" Alaric asked with trepidation.

Orange shrugged his shoulders, "I wouldn't worry about an invasion. Both lunar and solar eclipses of both moons at the same time is rare on this continent. Using negative energy to influence the land to create a perfect safe haven for us is hard. It's one of the reasons why we only visit this continent for... Opportunities. I need to move up in the Society, and I'm not going to get there by only getting peasants' requests. I want to kill a noble or better. I've been passed over by so many other nobles who have gotten my peers to do their dirty work. I need to show my comrades that I can kill someone who has value. That's why I took on the risk of coming to Agon, before Lord Victor, comes here to rid this nuisance and reestablishes... Now under vampire rule, and I needed to catch a break. That why a used that fallen human assassin's tag. To put away any fears from the elite. Regardless, from the sounds of things, your original target sounds perfect for my ascension.

The Assassin's Society is a guild, of sorts. And if you never get a chance to show your skills by going after high-value targets, then you will be stuck doing low-level contracts for the rest of your life.

Alaric could see why this lesser vampire was desperate to get a contract for a higher-profile target. And a part of him liked his gumption, but he didn't like how he needed to drag the truth from him in the first place. However, this was the first assassin they have come across in years, so he didn't want to kick him out until he could see if this Mr. Orange was even capable of doing the job.

"I see... What ability do you possess that would be capable of taking care of a Baron?" the Duke asked.

Orange smirked as he finally say his chance to prove himself. He didn't even bother to bring a weapon with him, and he knew his talents could impress the Duke.

"My blood magic is second to none. Even some higher vampires are jealous of my gift that I received from the Entity... I guess you could call it a blessing, in a certain point of view."

Orange bit his thumb and it started to bleed. He made a few drops floated in the air and morphed into sharp pointy needles and with a chick of his fingers the two blood needles shot out towards a painting of William. The impact was so quite that no one in the room heard it, but the results were what got both the Viscount and the Duke's attention.

The painting that depicted William in his youth had two small holes that went clean through the canvas. The needles didn't lose any speed and went through the stone wall behind the painting as well. Soon the holes grew bigger as the vampire's blood acted like an acid and started to eat away at the painting and the stone wall.

'Okay... This is impressive. The man might be lying about his rank but his talent has potential,' Alaric was impressed.

William was equally impressed as his eyes were glued to the painting.

"Your blood is corrosive," the Viscount pointed out.

"Heh heh, indeed. It is quite rare for a lesser undead to have been given such a trait. It made the pain of turning into a vampire worth it," the orange-eyed vampire boasted as he took his eyes off the Duke. He knew that his little demonstration was enough to seal the deal.

"I'm impressed," Alaric said as he leaned back in his chair, "Can you do it again?"

Mr. Orange faltered for a brief moment. "I can, my Lord. However, if I show you my skills too many times, then I will need to feed," the Vampire said, as he made a poor excuse.

'That's why he's still a Vesperis-ranked assassin,' the Duke thought as he shook his head.

"How many times can you use this magic of yours?"

Orange straightened up this posture and looked straight in the Duke's eyes, "Two times... four if I'm in a pinch, but if I got past that then I'm in danger of going into a frenzy or a hibernated state. My traits are rare, but they take a large amount of my life force energy."

Alaric thought for a moment and then asked, "What is your traditional combat prowess like? Can you defeat a Maja Knight? Can you sneak into a Noble's estate without being detected by their guard and dogs?"

Mr. Orange gave a confident smile. "My Lord, I'm a Vampire. I can move without making a sound and my eyes can see in the dark. And while I'm not as strong as a Maja Knight, I am more than enough to handle a common guard. And if worst comes to worse I can kill a Maja with my blood magic. I'm not a warrior or a knight, I'm an assassin. As long as I'm facing a single target, I will succeed. No one can survive my attack, not even a mage. But I need to have the element of surprise. So, if my target is prepared, then I might have to use a little more of my blood magic. And if I do, then I will need to feed. But that shouldn't be a problem with how many humans live in this Continent. Just give me a name and place, and I will do what you ask," Orange said with confidence.

Alaric looked at the assassin with a critical eye. The Vampire's pride was a double-edged sword. On one hand, his confidence could be a sign of his competence. On the other hand, his arrogance could lead to his downfall. But Alaric was in a desperate position and needed to take a risk. And the Vampire's blood magic was a valuable asset. If he could successfully assassinate Johnathan Dule, then Alaric will have another ally in the House of Lords.

'I need him to kill Johnathan on the same day when that whore finds my nephew cheating on her. That way she won't be willing or able to heal the Baron,' Alaric thought as he started to piece his plan together.

'If this vampire can kill, Johnathan, then his son, Johan, will be forced to take over the title of Baron. And that manaless cretin will be challenged for his title by his uncle... Don't fail me, Linus Dupree,' thought the Duke as he sat up straight again and stared down the vampire.

Orange just stood there waiting for the Duke's answer, and the longer he was silent the better his chances of being hired. He knew Alaric must be desperate or he would have been kicked out the moment he was found out to be a Vesperis Assassin.

After what seemed like an eternity the Duke sighed leaned back in his chair. "Give him the information about the Baron, William."

Orange had a internal sigh of relief, while William reluctantly nodded and went to a draw at his desk and pulled out the parchment. Just as William was about to hand over the parchment, Alaric spoke up once again.

"But you are only getting Vesperis pricing," the Duke said bluntly.

This caused the assassin to pause for a moment, "I will do it for a thousand gold pieces."

Alaric still was studying the vampire, "I'm not paying Tenebrae prices for a Vesperis Assassin. Five-hundred," the Duke haggled.

The vampire's eye twitched for a second, "Seven-hundred fifty."

"Six-hundred. Half now, and the other half upon success. That is my final offer, Mr. Orange."

The lesser vampire wanted to protest the low price for killing a noble, but he needed a break and this job was perfect for him. "Fine. But I want the deposit now."

Alaric nodded, "William. Give him the gold. And the location."

William grimaced as he hated being treated as a servant, but he couldn't order Bruce to do it, and Ivy was keeping the connection alive. So he had no choice but to do as his Lord commanded.

"Understood, My Lord," William said as he took a key from his pocket and went to a locked drawer. He opened it and pulled out a small pouch.

The Viscount tossed it to the vampire. Orange caught it with one hand and felt the weight of the coins inside. He didn't need to look at the gold to know it was all there.

'This is more money than I have ever earned back on Faeo. It's about time I've gotten some recognition,' the vampire thought.

"Here," William said as he handed the parchment over to Orange. The Assassin took it and read the details.

"Baron Johnathan Dule... Stuart of the Eder Hills Domain... In the capital city of Tairal," Orange read aloud. "And a picture as well... That's good... Very good," the vampire was pleased with the details. "This will be simple," Orange said as he rolled up the parchment and put it in his pocket.

"I'm glad you think so," Alaric said with a smirk. "Because you have to do the deed in two days," Alaric added.

The vampire looked at the Duke in shock. "Two days? My Lord, that's not enough time to properly scout the area and find the best time to strike. I need at least a week," Orange protested.

"You have two days. If you want to make a name for yourself in the Agon Assassin's Society, then you will have to prove your worth. I'm giving you a chance to prove your worth, Mr. Orange. Take it or leave it," Alaric said as he cut his connection to the Speaker Mage. In a instant the hologram of the Duke vanished and Ivy slumped in her chair as she was exhausted.

The assassin's jaw clenched, and he looked at William who had a smug look on his face.

"If you head west right now you might get to Tairal in three days," The Viscount said as he looked down at the lesser vampire.

"It's a good thing that I can morph into a bat to cover large distances, human," Orange snapped. "But I am still limited to the night. So, I will need simple transport to take me west until dusk. You better have the rest of my payment ready when I return," the vampire hissed as he tucked the contract and gold into his cloak.

"Of course, as long as you get the job done," William said with a sly grin. "Bruce, see him out," The Viscount ordered.

Bruce glanced at the Viscount and then to Ivy who signaled that she was fine. He walked up to Orange and escorted the vampire out of the room.

Once the two were gone, William let out a sigh of relief and turned to Ivy. "I need to get in contact with Alaric, now."

"His lordship has cut the connection. I cannot reopen it unless he reestablishes it on his end," Ivy said with a weary voice.

"Damn it!" William cursed, "He didn't give me the gossip on what happened at his daughter's party. Whatever, I guess I will do something until then. Get me if he contacts you again," The Viscount ordered as he turned his back to the Speaker Mage and went back to his desk.

Ivy nodded her head and took out a potion to rejuvenate her lost mana.

"I need some rest," Ivy said as she got up and left the room.

William waved his off hand at her while he was going through his paperwork. He had a long day ahead of him, and he needed to be back in the capital by Friday to be there for Duval's defense of his Prime Ministership position. Normally William couldn't wait to see Duval's downfall, but the political climate has changed so drastically that they needed him more than they would like to admit. And how things were going, Duval was going to lose his position after losing his grip on the majority of Major Nobles.