The world was still asleep when Atlas began training in the shooting range with his bow and arrows, finishing his morning routine in a very short time.
[Congratulations!]
Upon receiving the notification he had been waiting for, he sat down on the ground and took a big sip of water from his canteen with a smile. Atlas slowly lowered his canteen, savoring the cold and refreshing taste. He took a deep breath; the silence around him, the calm of the morning, and the adrenaline still coursing through his body... All of it combined to allow thoughts to flow freely through his mind.
[You have leveled up!]
[Bow and Crossbow skills unlocked!]
[Please select a skill!]
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Something was changing in his body. His muscles began to feel tighter, more defined. However, without paying too much attention to this physical sensation, he focused on the window that opened in front of him.
[Passive Skill Selection]
[Sensitivity]
[Muscle Development]
He stared at the two options appearing in the window for a moment. Then he read the descriptions.
[Sensitivity – Beginner]
Description: A basic skill that enhances the archer's visual perception and focus. It allows for better tracking of moving targets and increases accuracy.
[Muscle Development – Beginner]
Description: A skill that optimizes muscle fibers and increases stamina. This allows for longer archery sessions and reduces the likelihood of fatigue.
He didn't hesitate. Muscle Development was appealing, but improving stamina wasn't that difficult with hard work. The real challenge was developing Sensitivity.
[You selected the [Sensitivity] skill!]
Atlas opened his profile and saw he had six attribute points to distribute. Just like in a game, he gained a certain amount of stat points each time he leveled up. As an Archer, there were three stats he needed to prioritize:
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Speed, Stamina, and Intuition.
Normally, the most logical approach would be to develop all three equally and progress steadily. However, during his adaptation training, Atlas felt he needed to prove himself to his instructors. That was the downside of being an Archer. Atlas had to develop all his attributes equally and become an expert in all of them. Strength, Speed, Stamina, Intuition, and Intelligence. They were all equally important.
Mages and Healers, on the other hand, could focus solely on Intuition and Intelligence to gain power much faster. Knights could become experts by focusing on Stamina and Strength.
But an Archer had to be balanced in everything.
That was why the number of Archers who reached the Expert level was low compared to other classes. While a Mage could reach Expert level in four years, it took an Archer seven years. Similarly, while an Expert-level Mage could become a High Expert in twenty years without any skill bottlenecks, it took an Archer thirty-five years even if all conditions were met.
Atlas didn't distribute the points immediately. He would think about it and decide later. He hadn't yet determined exactly which path to take. The distribution could vary greatly depending on what kind of Archer he wanted to become.
“Hm?”
Atlas fixed his eyes on the mission window.
There was a new mission.
A new assassination.
When Atlas looked at the mission details, he felt as if boiling water had been poured over his head.
Mission Name: Silent Storm
Target: Orion Stormrider
Time Limit: 3 Weeks
Conditions:
Avoid arousing suspicion.
Avoid being accused.
Continue daily training without interruption.
Mission Environment:
Duksdale Island, a facility protected by the highest security protocols. Students under constant surveillance are monitored by professional instructors. Making a mistake does not only result in failure—it also reduces your chances of survival.
Risk Factors:
- Surveillance: Every movement within the camp is closely monitored.
- Instructors: They have the experience to notice the slightest inconsistency.
- Orion Stormrider: Highly successful in the training process, with sharp instincts.
?? Reward: [Mana Weaving Skill Guide], System Function: [Market], 1300 EXP
Penalty: 60% chance of [Death], 40% chance of [Arrest]
As Atlas read the mission details, his anxiety spiked. Wasn't he an interdimensional assassin? Why wasn't he assigned a mission in another dimension? Why in his own, and moreover, why did he have to kill someone in the very camp where he lived?
And he had to kill someone everyone was paying attention to?
Orion was no ordinary person. He was arrogant, but he was careful. He was smart and hardworking. Atlas was sure the instructors paid special attention to him. Moreover, he was sure he would be killed if he failed.
All his excitement vanished instantly. Cold dread enveloped him.
His heart pounded as if it would burst through his chest, and the lump in his throat made it hard to breathe.
“Why Orion?” he muttered to himself. “Why here? Why in my dimension?”
Being an interdimensional assassin meant working outside his own universe, in places where he knew no one and no one knew him. That was the fundamental rule of the legacy. That way, secrecy was not an issue, and he could complete his mission without worrying about the future consequences.
Atlas looked at the rising sun.
“You can't do it, Atlas,” he whispered to himself. “Orion is attracting everyone's attention right now. The instructors moved his tent next to theirs for extra security. His potential makes him a target. That's why he's under close protection. I can't kill him.”
He slapped his own cheek to snap himself out of the spiral. The sharp pain woke him up. He took a deep breath and forced himself to regain composure. There was no option to say "I can't." It was the mission; it had to be completed. But how?
“I mustn't rush.”
He heard movement outside. Checking his watch, he realized it was time to get up for the day. He slowly got up and went to the training area. His eyes were fixed on Orion's tent, watching for movement. Everyone slowly lined up, but Orion still hadn't emerged.
Atlas frowned and scanned the area.
After looking around for a while, he saw Orion running anxiously toward his tent from the woods. He was being extra careful not to be seen by anyone, but Atlas managed to spot him. Orion slipped into the back of his tent, stayed inside for a brief moment, and then walked out through the front entrance as if nothing had happened. He walked over to the training area, stretching casually, and took his place in line.
Atlas narrowed his eyes. ‘What was he doing?’
After the morning briefing, everyone went to the cafeteria.
After placing his usual breakfast on his tray, Atlas focused on Orion's breakfast tray from a distance. He had noticed that Orion always ate the same things. Even the arrangement of the food on his tray was annoyingly perfect.
Atlas turned his eyes to the tables in the cafeteria. Seeing Mira sitting in her usual spot, he smiled and went over to the young girl. She was nibbling on an egg, her cheeks puffed out like a rabbit's. Seeing her, Atlas felt a warmth spread inside him.
'How adorable.'