Chapter 1, Assassination
Content Summary
The young boy Rape witnesses a murder case. Due to a special reason, the victim's soul approaches Rape, asking him for help in seeking revenge. The spirit gives Rape a coin that grants him magical abilities, but the holder must pay an extremely terrible price.
Rapei was deeply moved, for this peculiar coin would change his life, yet he was also filled with fear, wondering how he could escape a tragic fate... Thus, he thought, perhaps magic could dispel the curse on the coin
Lape felt palpitations, while also being astonished by the power of magic
"Help me get these out, and I will come to pick them up in a few days. If you refuse, just wait; if I get caught, I will definitely implicate you." The little pickpocket chuckled sinisterly for a while.
Other prominent figures did not appear to be doing well, each one in a state of panic and fleeing for their lives. In contrast, some individuals below, undeterred by danger, drew their swords, and one even brandished a firearm. It was a short gun for self-defense, only the size of a palm, with a barrel length and thickness comparable to that of a finger; the deterrent effect of this object far exceeded its actual efficacy
"What about the assassins? Their ability to escape seems top-notch; it should be quite easy for them to save their lives, right?" Lape continued to inquire.
At that moment, the short sword instantly pierced through the throat of the prominent figure, with the tip emerging from the back of the neck
Cheers erupted from the southern block. Rape stood in a poor position, unable to see that direction. At this moment, he paid no mind to his clothing, climbing up the downspout and scrambling onto the second-floor balcony. In the midst of the chaos, he noticed that the little pickpocket on the opposite wall had vanished; that fellow had left at some point without him noticing.
Then... Rape pondered for a moment, and then asked uncertainly: "How about I study both swordsmanship and magic at the same time?"
"You can go find someone else; there are many people in this world who are luckier than I am," Rape said in a low voice.
"The assassin who killed you doesn't seem to fear magic." Rape felt it was strange; he did not believe that ghosts had any need to deceive him
"You don't need to use it again," the mother scolded
"That's right, you should get off the carriage. At this speed, it will take at least half an hour to get there, but you can walk there in just five or six minutes. It's also good for me, as I can turn around directly." The coachman also advised, pointing to the clock on the carriage, as the taxi fare is calculated by the minute.
"Why don't you learn some self-defense techniques?" La Pei asked
The position of the Postal Service is somewhat awkward; other departments have their highest level as a bureau, with the highest official being the bureau chief. However, they only have a general office, with the highest official being the director of the general office, which places them half a rank lower. The heads of other departments are all situated in the central square, while their leader is located in the southwest corner. In the square, one can see officials from the Department of Finance, the Prosecutor's Office, and the Police Department, but the personnel from the Postal Service seem to be hiding somewhere.
The father saw this and quickly walked over to his daughter, gently saying: "My dear little Susan, you are growing right now, and the clothes you have this year will not fit you next year... How about this, let's wait a few more years until you stop growing, and I will buy you a new set of clothes."
The little pickpocket left, and the boy's face was filled with a sense of pride
"There is no need for me to teach you; the lucky coins contain the memories and insights of all their previous owners," the ghost replied easily. "If it were not for this, how could a sixteen-year-old peasant girl, who has never been on the battlefield, lead a disadvantaged army to victory time and again, saving the nation from peril?"
Gunfire has already been heard in the distance
Some assassins excel in infiltration and ambush, always striking stealthily from behind, often using weapons such as daggers, or alternatively, setting traps and laying out mechanisms. A portion of them are also skilled with bows, crossbows, or firearms, preferring to eliminate targets from a considerable distance
"Susan, go back to sleep," the father said as he turned and patted his daughter's cheek
"Why are you asking me? Can't you just find the answer from the lucky coins? Among the previous owners of the lucky coins, there must be assassins; see how they died. There must also be wizards; see how they dealt with the assassins. You should be able to find the answer." The ghost did not intend to mislead Lape; he had some understanding of magic, but not completely.
The most crucial point is that Lape chose swordsmanship
There is a bag under the pillow, filled with the stolen goods that the little pickpocket had stuffed in. Rape did not know what was inside.
Everyone around is dressed in clothing from several centuries ago, and directly in front is a massive wooden frame. At the top of the frame stands a pillar, to which a person is bound—a young and beautiful woman. Her hair is cut very short, and her face bears a brand.
"Do you want to see more examples?" the ghost asked with a smile
Rape chose the first technique of assassins using poison and the second skill of infiltrating others' homes, both of which can be learned without expending too much effort
"You speak so easily, who will teach me? You? I see no strength in you." Rapei was not concerned that these words would anger the ghost
Lapei gasped involuntarily and asked, "Does that include you?"
The prominent figure has already stood up, and the attendant beside him helps to open the car door. He extends his hand towards the mayor, who also reaches out his hand, and the two hands are about to clasp together.
However, a firearm is still a firearm. With a loud bang, a flash of fire erupted, and white smoke spread everywhere, invigorating everyone present
This is a bribe, and it serves as a warning. Lape understands that if he reports it, he will not have a good outcome either
Watching the passing carriages, especially the private ones, made La Pei feel envious. After he became wealthy, the first thing he wanted to do was buy a carriage
Everyone suddenly came to a halt
What happened?" La Pei's father asked anxiously
I need you to help me. That little pickpocket has slipped over again
"This coin was given to me by someone else; you can go find him. He definitely has more potential than I do." Lape recalled the young pickpocket.
The people beside them immediately lost their courage; a person capable of blocking bullets was certainly not someone they could stop
"Do not make promises recklessly, as it is a waste of money." However, my mother felt a bit distressed.
No longer needed. Rape decided to submit to fate
At that moment, another explosion was heard behind him, but this time it was not among the crowd, rather on the rooftop. Most people did not see what had happened, but La Pei had a clear view due to his elevated position, allowing him to see the assassin. The assassin scaled the wall to reach the rooftop, as if the wall were flat ground to him. Once on the roof, the assassin darted about like a specter, appearing here one moment and then jumping to the adjacent building the next.
A sound of footsteps came from outside the door, and Lape quickly lay down, pretending to be asleep
Once again, a gunshot rang out, followed by a flash of a sword. The bullet was deflected once more. At the moment the bullet was deflected, the shooter fell to the ground, a silver throwing knife embedded in his right eye
What surprised Lape was the variety of assassins, some of whom were even completely contrary to one another
The legendary hero is said to be able to split mountains with a single sword strike and even part the seas, which seems not entirely fictitious. The battle has finally concluded, ending with the escape of the assassin. The city resembles a place that has just experienced a war, with ruins scattered everywhere and the sound of weeping echoing all around. Corpses are being carried out and laid in the square
It is no wonder that Talen is merely a small place, a second-tier city, and over a hundred years ago, it was just a small fishing village. Due to the westward shift of maritime trade, this area gradually became bustling, transforming from a village into a town, and then from a town into a city
Lapei is very intelligent; he knows that it is best not to disturb his parents at this time. Therefore, he gave his sister a glance, signaling her to go upstairs to her room, and then he picked up the clothes his mother had prepared for him and went out the door
Lapei lingered beside this group of people, listening to their conversation
Watching Rape's mother leave, the ghost approached Rape's bedside and said in a slightly envious tone: "I finally understand why the lucky coin chose you. In a certain sense, you are a fortunate young man. It is evident that your parents love you very much; although your family is poor, it is filled with warmth"
Rape did not know who that woman was, but for some reason, upon seeing her figure, his heart involuntarily trembled, and he felt an impulse to prostrate himself on the ground in reverence.
"Look at your hair, it's all messy." The boy's mother gently complained as she pulled her son over, snatched the wooden comb from her husband's hand, and began to comb her son's hair.
The first to arrive were the swordsmen of the guard, each wielding a sword in one hand and a short gun in the other. Following them was the musket team, all equipped with long guns. Surprisingly, it was the musket team at the back that initiated the attack. At the sound of a command, all the musketeers raised their guns and took aim. These musketeers were well-trained; those in front were lying on the ground, those behind were kneeling, and those further back were standing. Although the formation was not particularly neat, their movements were quite synchronized.
A white convertible carriage was slowly approaching, guided by a group of cavalry in front. Inside the carriage sat a young man, appearing to be in his twenties. He wore a silver wig, his complexion was pale, his lips thin, and his eyes were narrow and slightly curved, giving the impression of being listless, as if he were dozing off.
Most of those who are crying are the ones who have come to claim the bodies, and all those affected are subordinates from various municipal departments, so verifying identities is not particularly difficult. Only a few bodies that have been burned beyond recognition pose some challenges, as it is necessary to compile a list of missing persons before identification can be confirmed
I want the kind with floral patterns, and it should have a bow at the waist. The girl began to set her conditions
As members of the elite class and social vanguards, the topics discussed by these individuals are undoubtedly profound and incomprehensible. After listening for a long time, Lape could only hear them talking about things like reconstituting the constitution, royalists, conservatives, estates general, national assemblies, as well as tax increases and price controls. However, one thing Lape did understand was that these individuals were clearly dissatisfied with the prominent figure they were about to welcome today
Lape has never found this to be useful; he has a sense that the director is not satisfied with his father. No matter how hard his father works, how late he stays, how respectful he usually is, or how much flattery he offers, it is all in vain. Lape feels it is unfair for his father; living like this is truly too difficult.
Lape finally understood why he had an instinctive feeling of unease earlier; he had forgotten that such people were to be avoided. Once entangled with them, it would lead to endless troubles. Lape was certain that this was just the beginning, and many more troubles would follow. However, he found himself unable to refuse, nor did he dare to refuse.
The ghost did not become angry, but rather spoke calmly: "You cannot refuse, nor is it possible for you to refuse"
Lape has always envied this group of people, who are referred to as the new faction. They have all attended university and are the backbone of various political parties. They do not need to bow and scrape, nor do they need to fight desperately, because the parties behind them will assist them in their struggles
The shooter was at a loss, and instinctively pulled the trigger again. This firearm has two barrels, allowing for two consecutive shots.
Lapei can be certain that only he can hear this; his father, mother, and younger sister show no reaction
What happened next was that Lape had no memory at all. He dully followed his father home, stripped off his clothes, and ran back to his room, collapsing into a deep sleep. His mother had originally intended to have Lape wash his face and feet, but was stopped by his father, who himself felt utterly exhausted.
The ghost has understood Rape's thoughts. To be honest, he had pondered this himself at one time. Perhaps every person who has received a lucky coin has faced such a choice.
This woman appears to be in her thirties; she must have been a beauty in her youth. However, years of hard work have left her looking haggard. The long dress she is wearing is patched in many places, clearly indicating that this family's circumstances are not very good
"What use is this? You have already seen the assassin's strength." The ghost argued vehemently, actually feeling regret. Had he known it would come to this, he would have certainly learned some self-defense techniques. However, this guy was stubborn: "What good is strength, no matter how great? That beheaded fellow was a legendary knight, and in his time, he was nearly invincible. What happened in the end? He was still captured and beheaded!" That beheaded fellow was a legendary knight, and in his time, he was nearly invincible. What happened in the end? He was still captured and beheaded!
In the next moment, Rape, who had been pretending to sleep, found himself in a dreamlike world
"Killing is like cutting grass; this guy is too fierce." The little pickpocket on the opposite wall widened his eyes.
Rape was hesitating whether to report it or to remind those colleagues who were talking grandly. The little pickpocket actually walked over to him, and when he reached him, the little pickpocket smiled and whispered, "You should check your coat pocket."
"We still have to go around, if I had known, I would have gotten off at Andewen Street," complained Rape's father
Although Rape did not express anything, he felt that these words struck a chord within him. If he had been born into a noble family, he would certainly have been able to enjoy such splendor
I do not want to look anymore. A pang of pain gripped Rape's heart as he realized who that girl was; she was the hero he admired the most, a great figure revered by later generations as the "Saint".
Suddenly, with a loud bang, an orange fireball illuminated the street.
I know, it was that little pickpocket. I saw him stealing things from my corpse, including two rings and a pocket watch. The ghost seemed quite relaxed, as if recounting someone else's misfortune: "Unfortunately, this is fate; fate chose you, not him."
You should go to sleep; you must be tired as well. I will just sit for a while; I just had a nightmare. Lapey chose to obey; he did not dare to disobey even the command of a small pickpocket, let alone that of a ghost, especially one who was a significant figure when alive
Everything happened too quickly, and the people nearby had no time to react. The first to regain consciousness was the guard who opened the car door; he immediately drew his sword from his waist. However, before he could act, the assassin twisted his wrist, and the flash of the sword swept across his neck.
At that moment, Lapeyton understood that what stood before him was a ghost
As soon as the little pickpocket's words fell, La Pei felt his body grow heavy. He quickly reached into his pocket and indeed found that it contained many more items.
The swordsmen at the front immediately spread out to the sides, as they absolutely dared not obstruct the path of the bullets. At the same time, they planned to encircle from both sides, ensuring that the assassin could not escape
There is actually a group of people here, gathered in small clusters, engaging in casual conversation
Indeed, a significant figure is coming, arriving from Mane. My father and I are going to welcome him. My father seemed rather pleased.
In a state of confusion, Lape felt as if he had become an assassin, a true assassin, a highly skilled assassin, possessing nearly all the knowledge that every assassin should understand
"I will find a way to return this coin to your descendants," Lape said hastily, and if necessary, he could even swear an oath
The unfortunate ones are still the people below, as bricks and tiles are flying everywhere, and those struck are left bloodied and bruised. However, this is still considered fortunate; Rape witnessed a beam fall and crash onto a carriage, instantly reducing it to countless splintered pieces of wood, killing both the driver and the passengers inside.
"Don't say that, you know... I am already very content," the mother said softly
At this moment, Lape's mind was filled with various aspects related to swordsmanship, ranging from basic movements to complex sword techniques. The multitude of sword techniques dazzled Lape, including simple military swordplay, which was straightforward and unadorned, and the splendid court secret sword techniques, which were ever-changing and dazzling. There were also the Holy Hall sword techniques, which were intricately linked and continuous. Each sword technique had its own strengths and was suitable for different contexts. For instance, military swordplay was suitable for the battlefield, while court secret sword techniques were more appropriate for duels
Rapei's father compromised; he paid for the fare and got out of the car
"Are wizards not more powerful? And are they not harder to kill?" Rape asked
Behind the woman, a middle-aged man in his forties was adjusting his bow tie in front of a mirror. He was dressed in a suit, which looked quite dapper; however, upon closer inspection, one could detect a musty odor, clearly indicating that it had been stored away for a long time. He likely did not wear it often, only bringing it out on special occasions to make an impression.
The door closed, and La Pei looked at the ghost before him and softly asked, "Why have you come to my home? It was not I who killed you"
Lapei's greatest wish is to make money; he wants to earn a lot of money
She was the former owner of the lucky coin, a girl who was upright, kind, and full of ideals. She had nothing, her only wealth was her unwavering belief. She obtained the coin, realized her ideals, saved the country in its most perilous moments, and led it to victory time and again. Yet in the end, what she received was betrayal, betrayed by her own people, betrayed by the country she had saved. The ghost gazed intently at the girl bound to the pillar.
"When will I be able to have a piece of clothing like that?" The girl said with a face full of envy
Inside the pocket of Lape's shirt, something happened. It should be a necklace. Lape definitely does not have a necklace, as there is no money at home to buy one. However, mother does have a necklace; it is her dowry, which is to be passed down to her younger sister in the future
I have no children, nor any relatives worth caring about, so this coin now belongs to you. However, with your acquisition of it, you must also bear the responsibility. The ghost's face drew closer: "You must help me seek revenge"
"That is not entirely the case..." The ghost's tone became vague: "The lucky coin is merely a pretext, a legacy of sorts, but how much you can truly obtain depends on yourself, on your talent and effort"
This is not possible; unless you are dead, the lucky coin cannot find another owner. Even if you wish to give it away, it will always return to your hands. The ghost explained patiently, for a dead person, time is always abundant
"Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, I know you are scared," the father said as he walked over to comfort.
"The imperial envoy cannot be said to be so; he can only be regarded as the king's special envoy." La Pei's father, appearing knowledgeable and experienced, remarked: "An imperial envoy must carry the king's decree, can represent the king in making decisions, and possesses supreme authority. In contrast, a special envoy merely conveys a message and takes the opportunity to observe; while his status is high, his power is limited."
Seeing someone attempting to cross the warning line, a man who appeared to be the captain took a firearm from a nearby soldier and fired a shot into the air: "Whoever dares to take another step forward, do not blame us for being impolite"
"Of course it's not you, but you took something of mine." The ghost pointed to Lape's pillow
At this moment, in the stillness of the deep night, a piercing scream echoed from afar. After a moment, a cacophony of footsteps sounded from within the room. Rape's father was the first to rush over, followed by his mother, and then his younger sister, who was dressed in a nightgown. The little girl, with sleepy eyes, was still holding a cloth doll in her hand
Lape stood there obediently, as he did not want to wrinkle his clothes; otherwise, he would be scolded by his mother when he got home. Moreover, seeing his father bowing and scraping made him feel uncomfortable.
On the chair, there is a smaller set of formal attire. With the sound of footsteps, a young boy runs down; his name is Sode Rape, and he is fourteen years old
Following the guidance of the ghost, Lape affixed the lucky coin to the back of his head. Almost as soon as it touched the pillow, he fell asleep, which is clearly one of the effects of the lucky coin
Thus, Lape moved away from the crowd that was huddled together
I cannot do it" La Pei shook her head without hesitation
"You will only make yourself a failure," the ghost said disdainfully. "Everyone's energy is limited, whether in swordsmanship or magic. If you want to achieve something, you must invest a great deal of energy; it is simply impossible to balance both."
Suddenly, La Pei saw a boy who was about the same age as him, with a head full of curly hair, a face covered in freckles, wearing a baseball cap, dressed in a checkered shirt, with a leather vest underneath, and baggy woolen trousers. The boy was walking back and forth among the crowd
Once again, a sound of footsteps came down from the upper floor. This time, it was a girl running down, only about eleven or twelve years old, with an oval face, large eyes, and rosy cheeks. Though still young, it was evident that she was a beauty in the making; however, the tattered dress she wore significantly detracted from her attractiveness.
Rape hoped that his father could stay, but unfortunately he heard the ghost harshly say to him: "Let your father leave, I have many things to discuss with you"
The legendary knight was not only beheaded but also had his heart ripped out. The saintly maiden, a paladin, was sentenced to be burned at the stake, and she was alive when she was set on fire. The history books state that she "ascended to heaven in purity," but what he witnessed made him deeply doubt that the saintly maiden had not suffered humiliation.
A cloud of smoke enveloped the area, gunfire erupted in unison, and bullets rained down upon the assassin.
I promise you. The father gently touched his daughter's cheek
The cavalry leading the carriage quickly turned their horses around, and they had already drawn their swords. Unfortunately, before they could get close, the assassin unleashed a series of cold flashes, which either pierced their foreheads or struck their temples.
Lapei looked through the car window at the nearby carriage, where the people inside were also dressed beautifully, as if it were a festive occasion
"This is it, this is a lucky coin. Carrying it will ensure smooth sailing..." The ghost pointed to one of the coins. This coin was slightly larger than the others, with a rose pattern on the front and a scale on the back
"Hurry up, I have already ironed your clothes. Are you not ready yet?" A woman stood at the stairway, raising her head and shouting loudly upstairs
However, the crowd quickly fell silent, for they witnessed a flash of sword light, followed by a clear sound of "ding" as the bullet was unexpectedly deflected by the assassin's sword
If you were the one being killed, you would not have such thoughts. Lapeyre certainly did not agree, but deep down, he was filled with admiration for that assassin
Saying it like this, if he were to actually do it, he would definitely refuse, because he already felt a pinch in his wallet when he paid for the car earlier
Rape is very familiar with this matter; sometimes, to deliver a letter, one must go around a block. If one were to climb over the wall, it would be much closer. Even lazy postal workers are skilled at climbing over walls
This is a story about a man who has obtained lucky coins yet attempts to resist the arrangements of fate. He only wishes to lead a peaceful life, to be with the woman he loves, to establish a family, and to have children. Unfortunately, the designs of fate are not so easily escaped. In the land where he resides, the lord holds the right of the first night over the women in his territory. His wife refuses to submit, and ultimately, she meets a tragic end. From that moment on, he embarks on a path of revenge. Unlike before, the ghost speaks of the man before him in a very relaxed tone, even carrying a hint of glee at his misfortune.
Do not mention the son; he himself is quite frightened, and his superior is even more distressed. Up to now, the signature has not been affixed simply because he is trembling so much that he cannot lift his hand.
Lapeyton momentarily forgot his earlier troubles, as well as the young pickpocket.
"Father, come with me; let's take a shortcut," Rape volunteered. Of course, he could say this; he worked as a postman at the post office, and his job was to deliver letters, so he was thoroughly familiar with every street and alley in Taren.
Some assassins exhibit noble demeanor, articulate speech, and profound knowledge, making it nearly impossible to discern their true identity. They are skilled in disguise, adept at performance, and can instantaneously transform into another person. Their methods of killing often involve poison, and their weapons are typically exquisite, presenting no outward signs of danger.
"Useless, we communicate directly with the soul, it has nothing to do with the ears at all." The voice of the ghost continued to come through.
"This is a benefit fee; after you take it, just pretend you haven't seen anything," whispered the little pickpocket
"Father, you can go back to sleep; I just need to sit for a while." Lape waved his hand, clearly indicating that he wanted to dismiss him
The knight before us, who is about to be beheaded, is quite different from the earlier "Saint." That "Saint" possesses impeccable character, noble integrity, and a brave, fearless heart. This knight, however, is a legendary figure; the assassin who wreaks havoc in the square during the day would be nothing but a mere scrap compared to him, destined to perish within three moves. Such a person cannot escape the arrangements of fate, and La Pei has even less hope.
This is a good reason, and also a compelling one, that causes Lape to fall into deep thought involuntarily. Now that Lape has become the owner of the lucky coin, the first thing he needs to consider is how to save his own life
He, he, he..." Rape pointed at the guy standing by the head of the bed
To be honest, La Pei does not fully agree with the current situation in his heart. He does not want to live like his father, constantly bowing and scraping to read others' expressions, only to be able to feed his family. He yearns for change
Lape is completely indifferent to this; it has nothing to do with him.
"Is he coming from Mane? Then he must be the imperial envoy?" The coachman exclaimed in astonishment
Lape fell silent; he listened, though he did not fully believe. Among all these combinations, only the pairing of the magician with the swordsman or assassin was the most perfect
Wearing a wig and adorned in a splendid gown, with thin lips and slightly squinted eyes, the already pale face now appears even more bloodless. The most terrifying aspect is the large wound on the throat, from which blood has soaked the chest.
It is indeed powerful; a single fireball can potentially claim the lives of a dozen or so people on the opposing side. However, when it comes to the difficulty of dying, that is not necessarily the case. Once a magician is engaged in close combat, their death is inevitable. Moreover, with the advent of firearms, especially rifles, a skilled marksman can take their lives from hundreds of feet away. The ghost may not have much knowledge of combat, but it possesses common sense. Furthermore, with the advent of firearms, especially rifles, a skilled marksman can take their lives from hundreds of feet away. The ghost may not have much knowledge of combat, but it possesses common sense.
Over there, it is already a sea of people, and the entire road has been blocked. Everyone standing here is from the postal service. Rape's father finally spotted his superior, the branch director, who was holding a bamboo pole with a welcome banner hanging from it. Due to his short stature, he could only see a shiny bald head.
What is going on? Is a big shot arriving today? the coachman asked in confusion.
However, what astonished Lape even more was that assassin. That fellow showed no fear at all; most of the fireballs were dodged by him. On a few occasions when he couldn't evade, he actually split the shockwave of the explosion in half with a single sword strike, leaving everything around him shattered, while he and the ground beneath him remained completely unscathed
At that moment, the distant sound of drums and orchestral music began to resonate, signaling the arrival of the dignitaries
How do you use this?" Rapei twisted the gold coin in his fingers
The guard has fallen
Lapei saw the fireball explode among the crowd, where there were at least twenty to thirty people, including women and children.
"Strength can be accumulated gradually; possessing lucky coins means you have an infinite future." The ghost appeared very pleased
Every child harbors a dream of becoming a hero, yet unfortunately, heroes are becoming increasingly rare in this day and age. The assassin before us is already the person who comes closest to being the hero in La Pei's eyes
The ghost appeared somewhat awkward; after coughing for a while, he weakly said: "I excel in politics and diplomacy, and my background is slightly stronger than yours, though not by much. I am a descendant of a fallen family; my father left behind a mountain of debt and committed suicide. When I received this gold coin, all I had was a once-prominent surname, past glory, and a heap of debts. However, everything I later acquired was achieved through my own efforts."
The ghost sighed and said: "Having this coin is somewhat akin to gambling; you must have the capital to wager. In other words, you need to possess sufficient luck both in yourself and in the books. That little pickpocket has good potential—he is bold, quick-witted, and agile. Unfortunately, he lacks the capital to gamble."
"You stay here," said Rape's father to his son as he squeezed his way toward the director.
"What is wrong with you? Your face is so pale?" La Pei's father approached, noticing his son's unusual condition. However, he did not deduce the truth, merely assuming that his son was frightened by the earlier scene.
Rapei already knows who the person in front of him is; this individual is also a hero, but not one that he admires.
Father, it's not far now. Shall we get off and walk over?" Lapei suggested as she saw the carriage moving as slowly as a snail.
"These wizards who can only shoot fireballs are nothing but idiots, fools, imbeciles, and trash; they are mass-produced substandard products of the army and cannot be considered true wizards at all. If they were in Mane, that guy wouldn't stand a chance of escaping." As he spoke of being stabbed, the ghost became exceedingly furious, incessantly cursing and using various derogatory terms to describe the two wizards.
It was a short sword over one foot long, about the thickness of a finger, without a grip or guard, which the person held only with two fingers.
Uncertain how much time had passed, La Pei hazily heard someone shouting in his ear: "Wake up, you need to wake up quickly, I command you to wake up immediately"
The father hesitated for a moment, after all, it would not be very dignified to walk over.
Lape's heart was stirred; the necklace belonging to his mother was purchased with half a year's salary that his father had saved. This necklace should be more expensive than his mother's. Moreover, he is not someone who enjoys causing trouble. If he were to report it, the other party might very well retaliate. Even if the police do not believe the pickpocket's words, that young man is likely to seek revenge afterwards
Such swordsmanship actually exists in the world
Lape understood that this is what is referred to as noble demeanor. The prominent figures in the city all exhibit this kind of behavior, and the social elites also display this same facade. It is only when they argue that they abandon this demeanor
How many people have died this time?
It seems you don't believe much
As a port city, there are many people coming and going, which also means there are many pickpockets in the city. When La Pei delivers letters, he often encounters such individuals, as pickpockets, like postal workers, roam the streets all day long
The young man is quite handsome, having inherited features from his mother. He has a long, narrow face, a high forehead, and a straight nose. The only aspect that is somewhat unsatisfactory is his pair of gray eyes
Rape looked in astonishment at his father passing through the body of that important figure, as if it were merely a mass of air. He glanced at his mother and sister, clearly unaware that an uninvited guest had arrived at their home.
On the roof, there are two individuals, both of whom are wizards. They hold wands in their hands, the tips of which shimmer with light, occasionally launching a small orange fireball. The fireball is only the size of a fist, but when it explodes, its power is sufficient to lift an entire top floor into the sky, so with each explosion, a building inevitably suffers.
Lape's expression changed; he had lost interest in continuing to watch the commotion. It was not just him; the people below also began to flee in droves, as they did not wish to be caught up in such a battle
Lapei was momentarily taken aback. However, he instinctively touched it, and his expression changed immediately.
Lape's face turned pale as he glared fiercely at the figure's back. In his heart, he had imagined countless times killing that person—stabbing him with a knife, dousing him in oil and burning him, tying him to a stone and throwing him into the river to drown... Unfortunately, he only dared to think about it; even if he were given the chance, he would not have the courage to act.
I feel a bit better now. " Lape sat up, his complexion still pale
Lape was momentarily taken aback; he recalled what the young pickpocket had said during the day. It now appeared that this individual was not merely fortunate in their birth.
"Do I still need you to lead the way?" The father rolled his eyes; he had also risen from being a postman and was quite familiar with the roads here. The father and son navigated through the streets and alleys, quickly circling half of the square
"Rest assured, we will be home soon. The carriage is already prepared outside," Father reassured, considering this a fortunate turn of events, as there was no need to walk home.
Ludenheim Square is located in the city center. It takes more than half an hour to walk there, but taking a carriage is much faster. However, as we approach the square, the roads become increasingly congested, with carriages filling the streets, as if all the carriages in the city have converged here
"What kind of magic is most convenient for dealing with assassins?" Rape asked, as he had already accepted the lucky coin and had to consider how to complete the task. The ghost said that assassins fear mages, which should not be mere talk.
The girl pouted in grievance
This is indeed very convenient said Lapei, nodding his head
Just as La Pei steadied himself, he saw a wall opposite where a young pickpocket was already lounging with his legs dangling over the edge. This fellow was even more skilled at climbing walls than La Pei, and he even nodded in greeting to him
"I will make you a bowl of ginger tea; drinking it will make you feel better," said my mother from the side
Rape's father immediately ran out and shouted to the coachman: "Go to Rudenheim Square"
There was a hint of sadness in the father's gaze, and he turned to his wife and said: "I am very sorry, Marry me, for making you suffer."
"Do not run around." At the street corner, it was unclear when the guard team had already sealed off the area, and several blocks near the square had all been cordoned off.
"Was her brilliant command that day derived from the memories within the lucky coins?" Rape asked in astonishment, as he had not expected to uncover the truth of history.
The arrival of the important figure has nothing to do with La Pei; he is merely here to watch the excitement. It is actually a good thing that his father is not around. He suddenly kicked off the wall, and with one hand already grasping the top of the wall, with a slight exertion, he flipped himself over.
Lape has already put on his shirt, the origin of which is unknown. The collar and cuffs are adorned with lace trim, clearly not something that this modest household could afford. His lower half is clad in tight-fitting pants, and he wears a pair of leather shoes. Although they have just been polished and appear shiny, the creases on the shoe surface cannot be concealed, indicating that these shoes have seen better days.
While getting dressed, La Pei looked at the carriages passing by on the street
After waiting for five or six minutes, Lapei saw a horse-drawn carriage approaching and quickly raised her hand to signal it down. She then turned and called out towards the door: "Dad, the carriage has arrived"
The problem is that I lack the capability. Lapeyre felt great anguish
"It’s nothing, everything has already passed, and a good sleep will make it better," the father continued to comfort.
Lape pretended not to see and fixed his gaze on the direction of the square
The Rape family does not own a carriage, and they are even reluctant to ride in one. However, today is a special occasion, and my father will surely indulge a little.
At this moment, Rudenheim Square and the surrounding blocks have been sealed off, with guards stationed at every intersection. To exit the cordoned area, one must have a guarantor; if an identity mismatch is discovered, individuals will be apprehended and may be regarded as accomplices of an assassin
Bang—hetushu.com.com Bang—Bang—
He opened his eyes, looked up, and then screamed.
Suddenly, a guy from the military band next to me dashed over, having already thrown his flute to the ground, revealing a sword hidden inside it
Do not waste your efforts; there is no profession in this world that is absolutely safe. Knights rely on armor and steeds; without these, their strength diminishes significantly. Many knights do not die on the battlefield but fall victim to schemes and plots. As for warriors, whether heavy-armored, tower shield, polearm, or greatsword warriors, they are all mere cannon fodder. Compared to knights, they lack mounts for transportation and cannot even escape. The situation for archers, crossbowmen, and gunmen is similar to that of mages; they are doomed if engaged in close combat. However, there are some formidable branches, such as mounted archers and dragon riders, who combine the tactics of archers and knights and have swept across the world, invincible in their might. There are also jungle warriors, who, despite being called warriors, primarily use bows for offense but are also proficient in close combat. The remaining professions are assassins and swordsmen; they may not hold a significant position on the battlefield, but they are quite formidable off it. However, both of these professions share a common weakness: they fear mages. The ghost does not want La Pei to take a wrong turn, so it explains in great detail.
"Certainly, I will take you to see another fortunate owner of the lucky coin." The ghost became quite agreeable. The surrounding scene instantly transformed into a high platform, where an executioner was sharpening his axe, and a tall figure stood atop the platform, while a judge beside him seemed to be persuading him about something
Thus, Lape made a choice, at least the choice that was most suitable for him
The ghost appeared somewhat lost in thought, a wave of sorrow crossing his face. After a long pause, he continued, "However, this is also a coin of misfortune. It will bring you a series of good luck, allowing your wishes to come true. But at the same time, it accumulates misfortune, which will erupt at a specific moment. Its previous owners have all met with unfortunate ends"
Lape did not forget the ghost's advice. Upon seeing so many different sword techniques, he understood that having too many choices is not necessarily a good thing. To achieve something, one must focus their energy on a single endeavor
The Lape family cannot be considered poor; the father works at the postal office as a desk clerk, earning a salary sufficient to provide for the family's basic needs and allowing him to support his education for several years. As a result, Lape is able to read and write, and has a basic understanding of arithmetic. His younger sister, however, is not as fortunate. Fortunately, their mother is literate, so she often teaches her daughter to read.
The mayor, dressed like a peacock, rolled and crawled towards the crowd, shouting as he fled: "Catch the assassin, catch the assassin!"
The carriage drew closer, made a half circle in the square, and then came to a slow stop. The people waiting around eagerly approached. Leading the way was the mayor, an old fellow dressed in a dark red formal suit, with a silver vest underneath, and wearing high-heeled shoes, adorned like a peacock
A few hours ago, La Pe witnessed this person being assassinated and also saw the body being carried into the town hall building. How could it appear in front of his bedside?
The door opened, and my mother walked in holding a small pot, which emitted a spicy aroma of ginger. Upon seeing La Pei asleep, she gave a wry smile and shook her head, casually placing the pot on the bedside table before quietly stepping out.
The king's envoy was assassinated, a matter of great significance, and there is no time to consider the possibility of collateral damage. After all, prominent figures are always accompanied by bodyguards who will shield them from bullets; the death of someone without status is of little consequence.
In an instant, Lape transformed into a swordsman, possessing all the skills of a swordsman. Swordsmen can adapt to any environment; they are agile and swift in their movements, able to escape even when outmatched. Like knights, swordsmen are proficient in horsemanship. Like pirates, swordsmen excel in climbing
At this moment, Ludensheim Square was already crowded with people. Rape's father had been tiptoeing for a long time before he finally spotted the postal workers all gathered in the southwest corner of the square. He could only see the Director General, the head of the postal service, who at that moment was only qualified to stand in a corner of the crowd, while his immediate superior, the branch director, was completely out of sight.
Rapei did not want to be stabbed in the back. However, he felt that something was amiss, but unfortunately, he could not figure it out at that moment.
Place it in the palm of your right hand, then rest your right hand behind your head, allowing the coin to press against the back of your skull, while thinking about what you desire... then go to sleep The ghost explained carefully
Lape no longer thought much; having reached this point, it was too late for regrets, and all that remained was to take one step at a time
The father felt somewhat strange, but in the end, he nodded.
Lape certainly has no need to worry; he stands alongside his father, and their colleagues from the division are also present. Their immediate superior is currently signing the list, while the deputy director is calling the roll beside him
The assassin that La Pei saw during the day actually resembled a swordsman more.
The father originally intended to support Lape in attending university, but unfortunately, three years ago, the mother fell seriously ill, depleting their finances, which forced him to abandon his studies and take a job at the post office
Lape did not recognize the young man, but he had a feeling that this young man was not of the same kind as him; he even guessed the identity of this kid— a pickpocket
"This guy is nothing special; he just happened to be born into a good family," said the petty thief on the opposite side, with a hint of jealousy.
Lape's face grew paler as he recalled the assassin, the ghostly figure, and the skill that could even deflect bullets
"Do you want me to keep you company for a while?" the father asked
"That would be quite something, after all, he is here representing the king" The coachman was very aware of his own humble status.
Then what about you? Lapey turned the tables, and he was certain that this guy had neither combat skills nor any magical abilities
At that moment, a large crowd in the distance began to cheer loudly: "The guard is here, the guard is here!"
At this moment, Lape was wandering around casually. There were some people here who were about the same age as him, but he showed no interest in engaging with them. Among them were many children of officials from various levels of the postal service, while the rest were merely sycophants, desperately trying to curry favor with them.
Soon, Lape made his own choice
Lape casually covered his ears; he did not want to listen
Lapei's impression of this person is truly profound
The ghost nodded
At this moment, the assassin finally revealed his true strength. His figure flickered like a phantom, making it impossible for bullets to hit him. Even if one or two bullets posed a threat, they were deflected by the short sword in his hand. This fellow charged into the crowd, his short sword dancing like the wind; anyone who dared to stand in his way immediately fell down.
At this moment, Lape untied the rope that secured the pocket, and as he lifted the bottom of the bag, six or seven exquisite pocket watches, a dozen rings, an equal number of necklaces, and dozens of gold coins spilled out all at once