At 8 PM in the evening, I met Yukinotard in front of the dormitory.He greeted me briefly and showed me the way.On our path, we passed through the luxury district and eventually arrived at a darker, abandoned area.Old, crumbling houses surrounded us on both sides. I could feel eyes watching us from the shadows.Every building carried its own eerie presence—one that whispered danger.
Being a fool is one thing, but remaining a fool is a sin.I decided it was time to address the presence behind us.
I leaned toward Yukinotard and said,"We're being followed."
He didn't look surprised."The assassin guild is just up ahead—if we take a right at the next corner."
I nodded."Then let's go left instead. If we're being followed, we can try to lose him in the alley."
We turned left.Darkness swallowed us whole. If someone had wanted to stab us, this would have been the perfect time.We couldn't even see our own shadows.We kept moving—left at a crossroad, then right again.Even if the intruder heard our footsteps, he wouldn't know where we were exactly.
While scanning the area, I spotted a ladder leaning against a nearby building.I climbed it silently.From the edge of the rooftop, I spotted a black silhouette on another roof, roughly 50 meters away.His back was turned. I crept forward, step by step.
After six steps, I reached the edge of my roof.To close the distance, I'd have to jump—but the sound would alert him.Then, I remembered my skill.
Intention Reader activated.Target's intention: To gather information.
That didn't help much.
Suddenly, the silhouette moved.He jumped from his rooftop to one closer to mine.
The moment called for action.Without hesitation, I jumped across the gap.The sound startled the person ahead, and before he could run, I grabbed the back of his windbreaker.He lost balance and hit the ground.
"Who are you, and why are you following us?" I demanded."Are you some kind of spy?"
The figure raised his hands in defense."Wait, before you attack me—I'm your classmate. Acno!"
"Fine. First question answered. Now answer the second."
His voice turned sharp, defiant."Why would I tell the trash of the class anything? You couldn't even afford an above-average flat."
I narrowed my eyes."Because I have the upper hand right now."
He paused, then sighed."Fair point. But arguing won't help either of us. I want to join the assassin guild. I overheard you and Yukinotard at lunch—your conversation gave me hope. I've been searching for this guild for so long. They hide themselves... too well."
"Then why didn't you just talk to us directly? I don't care if you want to join the guild. But I do care about my first friend's safety."I looked around."Speaking of which—where is he?"