Isekai Assassin: Volume 1 Read online

  I sighed, putting down the hunk of graphite, and walked over to her.

  For all of fifteen minutes, she measured every inch of me, working me over far more thoroughly than any tailor I’d ever been to before. It was rather unsettling, but Angela had practiced hands and worked quickly.

  When she was finished, she stood up and smiled. “Aight’, got your measurements. I should have the clothes done in an hour or so.”

  I cocked my head to the side. “You didn’t write anything down.”

  She winked at me, a devious gleam in her eye. “Don’ need to.”

  Huh, she’s not what I was expecting. Smarter than I gave her credit for.

  To remember my exact measurements off the top of her head was no easy feat. It was slightly unnerving, especially considering the state of the shop around me.

  I went back to drawing and busied myself with getting the details as right as I could manage while I waited for Angela to return.

  True to her word, it took nearly an hour for her to return. When she did, she waddled toward me with a thick bundle of clothing wrapped in her arms.

  “Whatcha drawing?” she asked, peering over my shoulder. Her eyes lit up, and a soft gasp slipped through her lips. “What in the name of Weilin is that? A crossbow?”

  “A hand crossbow,” I corrected. “Lighter than a standard crossbow, easily portable.”

  I finished up the last little details of the drawing and handed it to her. “Do you know anyone who could build it?”

  She paused, tapping the drawing for a moment. “Maybe…no, probably. He’s a bit of a nutjob, but that looks complex, and I know he’d be up for the challenge. That’s half the battle right there.”

  “What’s his name? I’ll go see him.”

  Angela shook her head. “O’, no. Sorry, but that’s not somethin’ I can just hand out. He values his privacy, ya see, and wouldn’t be happy t’ hear I gave his name out t’ strangers.” She held her hands up. “But I can get the drawing t’ him and see if it’s somethin’ he can build.”

  I didn’t exactly like it, but I wasn’t going to push the issue. I understood the need for privacy, and I could respect it, even if I didn’t really want to.

  “Alright.” I raised my eyes and glared at her. “But neither you nor he are to share that drawing with anyone else─”

  “The hell you think ya talkin’ t’, boy?” Angela smirked, crossing her arms, her eyes sparkling. “Been keepin’ secrets since before ya were born.” She picked up a massive hammer from below the counter and brought it up. “Didn’t ya momma teach ya t’ speak to a lady with respect?”

  “Yes. Before she died, she did.” I nodded and dropped the harsh glare. “My apologies. What do I owe you?”

  “Seven hundred vahn. But that’s including the armor, and not including the, whaddya call it? Hand crossbow.”

  I pulled my money pouch and counted out the money. It ate up all the money I took from Lieutenant Gordon and then some, but I had everything I needed now, or soon would, so it was worth the price.

  Plus, I’ll still get paid today from Charles. So, I’ll have some money again soon.

  Angela scooped up the money and pushed the clothes my way. I grabbed them up, and Angela motioned to the side, revealing a changing room I hadn’t seen through all the junk.

  I slipped inside and quickly changed. The clothes were dark gray, and because of Angela’s measurements, they fit me perfectly. Better than any other clothing I’d ever worn before. They also wouldn’t hinder me when I got my leather armor.

  After I changed, I strapped my knives back on and threw my new cloak over myself. It settled around my shoulders and went to my knees, hiding my weapons.

  With my new clothes and gear, I was one step closer to my former self.

  I came back out and went back over to the counter. All I needed left were some pouches to hold my equipment.

  But when I broached the subject with Angela again, she pulled out a small silver ring and slid it over.

  “What’s this?” I asked.

  She cocked her head to the side. “Wait, have ya never seen a dimension ring before?”

  “Dimension ring? No. What is it?”

  “Magic,” Angela said. “It’s a ring enchanted by Weilin and allows the wearer to store nonliving items into it.”

  I raised an eyebrow and stared intently at the ring. “Seriously?”

  Wait. Isn’t this what Charles was doing at the bar the other day. Didn’t he pull items from out of nowhere…more amazing magic, which reminds me.

  “Angela, where can I go in the city to learn magic?”

  “Can’t.” She shook her head. “Save for rare exceptions like the rings. The use and teachin’ of magic is forbidden in Vohra. Has been for twenty years now.”

  “Why?”

  She shrugged. “Folks are superstitious, and a lot o’ them blamed the plague on the mages. Riots broke out across the city, and the magic academy was burned to the ground.

  “Was just a young woman back then, when the city was burning. Harsh times and a lot o’ us kept our heads down and tried not to get noticed when the City Watch started slaughterin’ people.

  “After it was over, the former count forbade the use of magic in the city ever again.”

  I rubbed my chin as I absorbed the information. “But surely there must still be people who use magic in the city?”

  Angela nodded. “Course, but gettin’ ‘em to tell you is one thing, and convicin’ ‘em to teach you is another altogether.

  “Best bet is to leave the city if ya want to know. Not a lot of magic in Chordis. You could head northeast, take a ship to Lamaal, or south to Calcross if ya wanna learn magic. Won’t find much of it on the mainland.”

  “Thanks for the information anyway.” I sighed, scratching at my chin, at the beard that was growing. I hadn’t shaved in a month, and I needed to, bad. “Also, thanks for the ring. Never used one before, but if it really does what you say, it’ll be invaluable.

  “But if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, could I also purchase some pouches anyway? I’m stuck in my ways, and I like having all of my equipment on my person exactly where I need it.”

  “Not at all,” she said, smiling at me. “I understand. Habits are hard t’ break, after all.”

  She left and returned again with dark leather pouches of various sizes. “Should be perfect for everything you’ve bought.”

  I slid the pouches on and stowed away all my equipment. They fit just right, but I also wanted to make use of the dimension ring, so I slid my pack off and put the ring on. Angela guided me in how to activate it. I just had to say or think ‘storage,’ and it opened.

  A hazy mist appeared in front of me, and I tossed my bag in. I thought ‘close,’ and it disappeared.

  Well…that is not something you see every day. This world continues to amaze me.

  I considered myself an adaptive person, but this world outpaced me at every turn on things that I could handle.

  It would have been impressive if it weren’t so annoying.

  With my purchases secure, and a comment from Angela to return in a week for my armor, I left.

  The way back to the bar was clear, and I entered The Cracked Cask for the second time that day.

  “Guess you found the shop,” Christoff said, pouring an ale as I entered.

  I sat down at the bar as he slid the drink toward me. “I did. She said to tell you to come to see her more often.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, I probably should, but every time I see her, she bitches me out for this or that. Never satisfied, that woman.”

  I chuckled and sipped my ale while I waited for Charles to rise for the day.

  It took another hour or so for him to wake, but eventually, he climbed the stairs to the bar.

  The wood creaked under his heavy steps, and he all but slammed the door closed as he entered the room.

  “Ale, Christoff. Now,” he said in a heavy voice.

  I held my hand up
to Christoff and climbed out of my seat. I crossed the room and pulled out the lieutenant’s seal.

  “Job’s done,” I said and tossed the seal onto the table.

  “Whaa?” he mumbled. “The fuck is this…” Charles looked up at me with bleary, bloodshot eyes and ran a hand through his rat's nest hairstyle. “Right. Gordon. Hired you to kill Gordon.” His eyes shot up. “You completed the job?”

  I nodded. “I believe you have something for me.”

  He grinned. “Soon as I get my goddamn ale!” he shouted to Christoff. “You can get your money.”

  Christoff ran out from behind the bar, a mug of ale in hand, and handed it over to Charles.

  “About fuckin’ time.”

  He drained the mug in three long pulls and tossed it back onto the table. “Much better,” he said and belched. “Now, where were we? Oh right, your payment.”

  Charles held his hand out and opened his dimension ring. He pulled out a heavy coin purse and tossed it to me.

  I caught it and stowed it away. I’d count it later.

  As I took the coin, the quest completed.

  Quest: Assassinate Lieutenant Gordon Ildan

  Difficulty: Medium

  Reward: 800 Exp+2000 Vahn

  (10% Bonus Exp for Job-related Quest)

  880 Exp

  Name: Elias McKinley

  Age: 29

  Race: Human

  Level: 1

  Exp: 3718/9247

  “Thanks,” I said and pulled out the sheaf of papers I stole from Ildan. “Oh, and you might find these useful. Found them at the lieutenant’s manor.”

  I tossed the papers on the table and let Charles read over them for a moment.

  After a few minutes reading them, he tossed them aside in a flurry.

  “Son of a bitch! Christoff. Ale!”

  The barkeep flinched at the shout and hastily brought over another full mug. Charles drained it and flung the glass across the room. It hit the back wall and shattered.

  I didn’t care much about his anger issues or his problems. I’d gone above and beyond my contract. My work was done for the day. I went to leave, but his obnoxious voice stopped me.

  “Hey, wait!” He stumbled to his feet. “You want another job?”

  Could use the money.

  Still need to find a place to live and set up a safehouse.

  “What’s the job?” I asked without turning around.

  “Same as before. Need a bitch who’s running her mouth about me silenced. Less pay, but a much easier job. Eight hundred vahn for her head.”

  “Who is she?” I turned to face him. “And what exactly has she done?”

  Charles looked at me strangely. He shook his head and shrugged. “Just some whore who can’t keep her mouth or her legs shut. The fuck does it matter? Likes to run her mouth about me and needs to be taught a lesson.”

  “Pass,” I said with a shake of my head and kept walking.

  “What?” he shouted, storming across the room.

  He grabbed me by the shoulder.

  I turned, grabbed his hand, and twisted it behind his back. My blade went to his neck.

  “Don’t ever lay a hand on me again. You’ll lose it next time.”

  Charles cursed as his face twisted in pain. “Alright, alright. Fuckin’ let me go…please.”

  I dropped his arm, and he immediately brought it to his chest, wincing in pain.

  “Why don’t you want the job?” he asked, still nursing his wrist.

  “I have rules. I’m not going to kill an innocent girl just because you don’t like what she says about you. Next time, don’t act in a way that causes her to talk about you behind your back.”

  “Why you─”

  He shut his mouth as my eyes relaxed. They told him exactly what I thought of him and the pleasure I would take in causing him harm.

  Your Killer’s Stare skill has increased by 1! [Killer’s Stare: 5 (Novice)] +25 Exp!

  I looked away and let my eyes return to normal.

  He cursed me under his breath and chuckled. “What about the lieutenant? Man was a prick and a pain in my ass, but he wasn’t a bastard. Why did he not fit your fuckin’ code?”

  I shook my head. “Explaining my code to a man who doesn’t live by any would be a waste of breath.

  “But I’ll sum it up for you. I’m a killer. It’s who I am. But I’m not a monster. I choose who I kill, and I don’t give a damn whether you like it or not.”

  “So killing Gordon was fine?” He sighed and slumped back over in the booth. “But a whore who gives anyone with coin a go is off-limits?

  “Makes no damn sense.”

  “Killing someone who’s just trying to earn a living is wrong. She might bad mouth you, but that doesn’t warrant death.” I grinned. “Hell, I’ve only known you for five fucking minutes, and I want to slit your throat. So, I understand the impulse.”

  Charles growled, his eyes darkening. “You think you’re fuckin’ funny?” He sighed. “You won’t kill the whore. Fine. I’ll find someone else.”

  I shrugged. “What happens to the girl isn’t my concern. I just won’t be the one to harm her. Now, if you have a job that doesn’t break my rules, I’ll gladly accept. If not, then I’ll be on my way.”

  Once more, I turned to leave, but Charles had something else to say.

  “Hold up, Elias, was it? What if I have a job that isn’t killing?”

  I paused and turned back around. I raised an eyebrow, tilting my head slightly. “I’m an assassin. What kind of job would you have that doesn’t require me to kill somebody?”

  “A burglary. From the information you got from Gordon, I know exactly who has my shipment of Thanatos. I’m going to need to get it back, but I’ll need your help to do it.

  “You infiltrated the Noble District to kill Ildan, so I know you have the skills to pull it off.”

  “Hmm.” I brushed my hair back and then sat back at the bar, drumming my fingers across the wood.

  I chuckled to myself. Aless did ask me why I kill rather than steal. That question doesn’t have a simple answer, but it’s not like I can’t do both. My skill set lends itself to thievery just as much as it does assassination. And I do need more money.

  Fine.

  I nodded. “What’s the job?”

  Charles smiled. “Count Vohra is the one who stole my shipment. I’m going to need to get it back, but to do that, I’ll need to forge some documents. And I’ll need Count Vohra’s seal, which should be in his third-floor study.” He picked up Ildan’s seal and twirled it around his fingers. “What say you? Care to rob the most powerful man in the city?”

  Count Vohra. My target. I smiled. How fortuitous.

  I couldn’t kill Vohra yet. Not until I established myself and was certain I could get away clean, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t get started on planning. I’ll need to get the layout of his manor sooner or later, and what better way to kill two birds?

  Case the mansion and get paid.

  I nodded. “What’s the pay?”

  “Three thousand vahn. The shipment is worth a hundred times that, and I need it back.”

  “One percent of the shipment.” I shook my head. “You can do better than that.”

  Charles laughed loudly, smacking his palm on the table. “The stones on you, trying to negotiate. If you didn’t piss me off so much, I’d almost be impressed. But I’m not asking you to steal the shipment, smartass. I’m asking you to steal a seal. So, it’s three thousand vahn, or you can get the fuck outta my bar.”

  “Four thousand.” I stood and edged toward the door. “Because I’m worth it.”

  He levied the seal at me like a knife, grinning. “Stones.” He whistled. “Must be made of bronze.” Charles scoffed and spat on the floor. “Fine. Four thousand. Fuckin’ highway robbery.”

  “Done. This’ll take some time to plan properly, but I should have it within the week.”

  Your Persuasion skill has increased by 1! [Persuasion: 2 (Novic
e)] +25 Exp!

  Your Charisma has increased by 1! [Charisma: 13] +100 Exp!

  Quest: Steal Count Vohra’s Seal

  Difficulty: Very Hard

  Reward: 1200 Exp+3000 Vahn

  (-75% Experience for unrelated quest)

  I smiled at my small victory and walked out the door.

  It’s high time I paid the count a visit.

  Chapter 13- The Count of Vohra

  Stealing something that the owner used daily, especially a seal, was tricky and had to be done very carefully. If I was going to take it, I’d have just made a mold of it and left the original where it was, but Charles just wanted me to steal it for him.

  The whole thing was a stupid plan that gave him a limited window of time to forge the right documents and get his shipment back. If he was smart, he’d have gone about the plan a better way, but he was impulsive, overreacting, and it was liable to blow up in his face.

  He only cared about the short term and the amount of debauchery he could get into. If he were the highest member of the city’s underworld, I could see why there wasn’t any order to the place.

  Charles gave me a few details about the job, a rough layout of the manor, and an approximate guard count, but I didn’t trust any of it and would do my own research when I got there.

  I left the bar and headed to the Noble District. Getting in was as easy as the night before. I just had to time the patrols and scale the wall.

  Though I was now walking around in broad daylight, I had to be careful because of the people.

  But the cloak Angela had given me was expensive, and it was made to look even more expensive than it actually was. I’d asked for it specifically for occasions like now. It hid most of my clothes, and from a distance, no one would be able to tell that I didn’t belong.

  I put on an air of confidence and strolled through the clean streets like I belonged.

  Your Disguise skill has increased by 1! [Disguise: 3 (Novice)] +25 Exp!

  I snorted. The best disguise in the world won’t help if I act like a criminal. A smile and a confident stride have gotten me into more places than any disguise.

  It didn’t take long to find the count’s manor. It was in the heart of the residential portion of the district. It was also the largest mansion around, situated in its own little fenced-off section.