After the frightening ordeal, the three friends had made their way to Sindy's room. However, Sindy was still concerned. She didn't understand how Nathan had gotten himself in a fight in the first place. He was usually the type to ignore negative remarks and keep his cool.
"So, what happened back there?" She asked as she tended to his injuries.
"Well, I was just passing by when I saw this huge crowd! I expected a huge fight, but instead, it was Nate fighting SpongeBob and Patrick!" Explained Andrew dramatically.
Ignoring Andrew's dramatic story, Sindy asked the question again.
"Nate, what happened? I'm surprised to hear that you got yourself in a fight...""I'm sorry... It's just that they were insulting Rosie's death. There was no way I could let them get away with that..."
Sindy smiled sweetly at Nathan. It made sense for him to get in a fight for the sake of someone else. He had been like that for as long as she could remember.
"That's just like you..." She said gently.
"Just like me?"
"You're never bothered when someone insults you but as soon as you see someone else being bullied, you're always there to stand up for them. I like that about you, Nate."
"Intimate moment here!" Suddenly teased Andrew with a short whistle.
Sindy, however, ignored Andrew's comment before hiding her embarrassment under a gentle smile. She could only hope that Nathan viewed it as intimate.
"Anyway, how was training with Isabella today?"
Upon hearing the question, a dim look passed over Nathan's face. He immediately remembered how things had turned out between them.
"I don't want to talk about it... I doubt she's going to train me again after today."
"Woah! What's up with you today!? First, you got into a fight with some random dudes and now you're telling me you also fought with Isabella?! Spill the details!" Exclaimed Andrew.
"Andrew, he said he doesn't want to talk about it. Don't force him to."
Just then, a sudden knock echoed through the room door. This immediately placed the three friends on guard. They feared that Marco and Patrick had returned to finish their fight with Nathan.
"Who is it?" Asked Sindy carefully.
"Alondo!" He answered before letting himself in.
"I didn't even say come in!"
Alondo then slowly walked in before seating himself beside them.
"I provided you with these rooms so I'm sure I can come in whenever I like, right?"Sindy then hugged herself with a look of disgust on her face. She looked one word away from calling him a pervert.
"I didn't mean that in a perverted way!"
"Sure, I so believe that!"
"Sigh... Anyway, Nathan and Andrew, you don't have to be afraid. I'm not here to punish you for the fight or anything. Those other assassins needed a beating anyway."
Nathan and Andrew then released a huge sigh of relief. Over the few weeks they had been at AA, they had become painfully aware of just how cruel Alondo's punishments were. Fighting amongst one another was one major taboo that could lead to severe punishment.
One time, two assassins were caught using their Art Styles outside of a Leisure Dome and Alondo made them clean every bathroom in the base without sanitary protection. This was a frightening punishment given that the base had well over 500 bathrooms.
"Why are you here then?" Asked Sindy.
"To give you an update on your rankings. You've all been promoted!"
The friends could hardly believe their ears. They highly doubted that they deserved a promotion. They had failed their mission against the Beast King and would have failed the Retrieval Mission as well if it wasn't for Instructor Brady.
"Why would you give us a promotion..? We've accomplished nothing since we arrived here..." Argued Sindy.
"Don't worry, you're not the only ones getting a promotion That mission was overkill for any assassin below S-Class. Not to mention that you are all mere D-Classed assassins. Most D-Classed assassins would give up but you all remained resilient even in the face of death. Any good assassin needs those traits if they're to survive. That's very commendable."
"Awesome, Cap! What rank are we being promoted to?" Asked Andrew excitedly.
"To C-Class. Well, CD-Class to be exact."
"Wait... Why are we getting such a big promotion? Isn't the next rank DC-Class?" Asked Sindy.
"Well, yes. However, what you weren't told was that completing missions isn't an essential part of becoming a C-Classed assassin. D-Class is to train the minds and resolve of new assassins so that they don't hesitate when on dangerous missions. With all the trauma and pain you've all gone through, it's safe to say you understand what a mission requires from you. Now, you're all prepared mentally."
The three friends understood Alondo's reasoning. It made sense why they would be offered a promotion after everything they had been through. It was true that they had grown considerably when compared to when they had just arrived in the Mind World. However, Nathan was not pleased with Alondo's decision. He couldn't find himself accepting it.
"Alondo, I appreciate it but I don't believe that I deserve a promotion. Please allow Sindy and Andrew to be promoted but let me remain as a DD-Classed assassin."
Everyone then looked at Nathan in shock. Sindy and Andrew especially couldn't comprehend why Nathan would decline such an offer.
"Nate, why would you say such a thing?" Asked Sindy.
"On the first mission, I failed to find the courage to kill my enemy. Because of that, many innocent people lost their lives. Again, on the Retrieval Mission, I failed to find the courage to kill that commander. That led to both Amanda and Leo being killed. It was my immaturity that caused their deaths. I have shown very little growth."
Andrew and Sindy were left in shock. They had no idea that Amanda and Leo had died because of Nathan's lack of courage. They didn't know what to say.
On the other hand, Alondo was already aware of this. Nathan had spoken with him privately about the incident beforehand."Well, if that's your wish then I won't force you to accept the promotion. I understand your reasons and I agree."
"Thanks, Alondo. I might have failed twice but that's where it's going to end... I won't fail a third time. After my next mission, I know I'll be worthy of such a promotion..!"
Alondo smiled softly. He knew that Nathan had a very rough start since coming to the Mind World but he still had faith that he would become stronger. He knew Nathan would make a great assassin.
"So you're okay then..?" Asked Sindy worriedly.
"I'm fine. But I do apologize for failing to keep Amanda and Leo alive. They're the ones that saved us when we just got to the Mind World, yet, I failed to repay our debt to them..."
"Don't sweat it, Nate. There's nothing you can do about it now. Sindy and I forgive you even if no one else does," comforted Andrew.
Sindy also nodded in approval of this. Though it was unfortunate that Andrew and Leo had died, it was also true that there was nothing they could do about it now. Guilt and sadness would not bring them back from the dead.
"Anyways, I have a question, Alondo," began Sindy. "What benefits do we gain from our promotion. I know we get to go on better missions and all but what else do we get?"
"Well, your upgrade to C-Class means you get a better salary, access to the Video Game Lounge, and most of all a new room on Floor C!"
"Floor C?"
"Yes. Every time you're promoted to a new class, you gain access to a new floor. There are a total of six floors here at HQ ranging from Floors D to S. Currently, you're all on the lowest floor called Floor D. The higher the floor, the better the quality. For example, Floor D only has televisions. There isn't much for you guys to do down here. However, Floor C comes with a Video Game Lounge and a few other cool rooms where assassins can relax and have fun when off from missions."
"So can we go to the Video Game Lounge whenever we want?!" Asked Andrew excitedly.
"Yup. Once you don't have an upcoming mission, you're free to do whatever you like. The only restriction is that you can't enter higher floors without permission. However, you can revisit lower floors whenever you like."
"Man, this is starting to sound like paradise! At first, there was nothing for us to do on this boring-ass floor! But finally, I can party and have some fun!"
"Hey now... Don't get too comfortable. Don't allow games and fun to distract you from training. If that happens and you end up failing missions, you'll be demoted."
Andrew immediately controlled his excitement as soon as he heard this. The last thing he wanted was to be demoted when he had finally gained such a privilege.
"I'm still kinda shocked though... I didn't know that the Floors in AA were set up like this," muttered Sindy.
"Assassins place their lives on the line for the sake of the Mind World every day. It's only fair that they are free to relax when off from missions. Besides, have you never realized that there aren't many other assassins of higher rank down here?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right... I've seen a few other assassins of higher rank but there are mostly D-Classed assassins down here."
"Exactly my point! The higher-ranking floors have more comfort and better offers which is why assassins of higher rank rarely visit these parts. For example, Floor S is basically luxury itself! They have hot tubs, spas, gaming isles, and much more. Truth is that I kinda do it this way so that assassins will be more willing to rank up. It's a high risk, high reward kinda thing."
The friends were impressed. This made them eager to rank up even faster.
Alondo then slowly arose from the bed before proceeding towards the door. He had decided it was about time for him to leave.
"One last thing before I go," he started. "I'm sending you on a mission in two days. I'm sure Prince told you about it, right?"
"Yeah, he didn't tell us the details though," noted Nathan.
"This mission is more of a test. It has to deal with an organization closely tied to the Cliques. If you three can complete this mission then I'll consider putting you on Team Assassin."
"Team Assassin?"
"It's a team made of the most elite Assassins that AA has to offer. It's also the team that Isabella, Prince, and even Brady are originally from."
"So you're saying that if we complete this upcoming mission successfully, you'll allow us to be a part of the most elite team in AA!?" Exclaimed Andrew.
"Well, you all want to defeat the Beast King, right? It's more of granting all of you a temporary place on the team until you accomplish your goal. But first, you'll have to prove to me that you have what it takes!"
It wasn't much but Nathan had done his best to prepare for the upcoming mission. If he and his friends were able to complete this mission successfully then Alondo would allow them to join Team Assassin. They had to succeed. Calmly, Nathan equipped his black uniform and sheathed his sword across his back. It had been a total of two days since Alondo had told them to prepare for the mission. It was finally time for it to get underway. Finally, before he left his room, Nathan equipped a pair of dark gloves over his hands which covered the mysterious letter D that still refused to go away. A few minutes later, Nathan arrived at the Transport Bay to await mission orders. Waiting for him there were Sindy, Andrew, and Alondo. However, Nathan found himself slightly confused upon seeing this. He already knew that Alondo would not be taking part in the mission, so who was their team captain? "Alondo, where is Instructor Brady..?" Asked Nathan. "Ah, Nath
After leaving Headquarters, the four assassins had set out to start their mission. They were now flying in a jet, patiently waiting for their arrival in Central Town. Fortunately, the jet was on autopilot which meant that the assassins had some time to relax. Sadly, relaxation was nowhere to be found. The tension between Sindy and Isabella was almost unbearable. It was now painfully evident that they thoroughly disliked one another. Nathan had no choice but to watch the two closely just in case they started fighting again. Sadly, Andrew was alone at the back, fast asleep. This meant that if anything were to happen, Nathan would have to deal with it alone. However, in truth, Andrew was upset. Despite how much Alondo had praised them for their efforts, he still felt useless. In both his previous missions, he had failed to defeat his enemies. Due to this, those around him had gotten hurt. This made him incredibly upset. He was only resting to get his mind off th
After exiting the jet, the four assassins made their way towards the barrier. By this time, the sun had already begun to set and a cold chill was present in the air. There were damaged street signs, buildings, cars, and even broken bits of glass that crunched underneath their feet as they walked. In short, the area looked as if it was in the dawn of a zombie apocalypse. A few seconds later, the assassins arrived at the foot of the barrier. However, this was when they noticed something strange. The barrier was oozing with a strange purple aura. "Dang, this thing's huge!" Exclaimed Andrew as he reached out to touch it. "Wait, don't touch it!" Quickly warned Isabella. "Huh? Why?!" Before responding, Isabella moved closer to inspect the barrier. Following this, she withdrew two Tessen Fans (Japanese War Fans) from her waist. The fans were black with the patterns of electrical dragons on either side. The edges were also quite sharp as if it was mad
Nathan, Sindy, and Andrew had been forced into hiding behind a small building. There were simply too many enemies to fight. After Isabella had left to fight Scorpio, the Scorpion mercenaries had began a relentless attack. They attacked using their Art Styles, guns, grenades, and a few other weapons. If the assassins weren't careful, they would easily be killed. However, Andrew was determined to do whatever it took to complete the mission. He was frustrated with how terrible things had gone for him up until now. It was time for things to change. It was time for him to step up and prove his worth. He had enough. Suddenly, a grenade was tossed behind the building toward the three assassins. The Scorpion mercenaries had finally found their hiding spot. Sindy couldn't help but scream in fright upon seeing the grenade. It could explode at any moment, surely injuring them in the process. Nathan also panicked as he tried to get Sindy and Andrew to take cover. However
Shortly after the three assassins had defeated the Scorpion mercenaries, they turned their attention towards Isabella. However, to their surprise, Isabella had already defeated her opponents. Both bodyguards were left dead at her feet and the leader, Scorpio was down on his knees, bleeding from his head. "Izzy!" Called Nathan as he ran towards her. "Oh, hi, Nathypoo!" She replied sweetly. "What are you doing? Shouldn't you finish that guy off already?" "Yeah, but I was thinking that it might be a good idea to take him back to headquarters! He might have some intel on what the Cliques are after!" "Uh— then shouldn't you tie him up or something..?" Interjected Sindy. "Well, I would but I didn't come on this mission expecting to restrain anyone... So I don't have any equipment to do that..." "Then knock him out..?" "I'm not a blonde! I was planning on doing that but I was asking him some questions first!" Sindy the
Isabella fell face first in a pool of blood. As if to complement the horrific scene, the wind blew gently and the fires around them danced to the rhythm of her dying heartbeat. Finally, her hair was released from its bun, causing it to flow gently in the wind as it was stained by a few droplets of blood, turning its snow-white color to red.As if to keep his promise, Scorpio released Nathan before pushing him forward towards Isabella's body. Drowning in sorrow, Nathan ran towards her. However, he stumbled and fell before he could even get close. Slowly, he then stretched forth his hands towards her body not knowing what else to do. The pain he felt was unbearable."I kept my word," began Scorpio. "I didn't kill you. She can rest in peace knowing that I didn't harm you."Nathan was drowning in despair. Once again, he had failed to save anyone. The only thing that he had accomplished was slaughtering his enemies like a mad man. He felt undeserving of t
Sindy and Andrew were barely alive. It would only take a few more minutes for them to succumb to their injuries. Unfortunately, Andrew had already passed out from too much blood loss. However, Sindy was still barely conscious. Due to this, she had witnessed the horrific scene of Scorpio puncturing Nathan's stomach. Sadly, she was too weak to even stand.Nathan was now left unconscious in the dirt as Scorpio had left him to die.However, Sindy refused to let this happen. Despite being in danger of losing consciousness at any moment, Sindy gathered her remaining strength. Nathan was far too important for her to leave him to die. She had to at least heal him before she succumbed to her injuries.Utilizing her remaining strength, Sindy dug her fingers into the ground and pulled herself closer to Nathan. She groaned in discomfort as she did her best to endure the pain she felt. It felt as if someone was trying to rip her chest open."I can't let you die..!" Sh
After the deal had been made, the graveyard began to disappear in an abundance of black and white flashes. Slowly, Nathan then opened his eyes to find himself sprawled out on the ground. However, he also noticed that his appearance had changed significantly.He had a single dark flaming wing growing from his back, dark flaming eyes, and sharp black fingernails. It was as if he had turned into a mixture of both human and angel.Nathan was amazed that this was only 3% of Death's power. He could feel enormous amounts of Death Energy pulsating through his body. He had never felt such power in all his life. He was sure that with his current strength, he would be able to give even a Clique commander a run for their money."Hey, brat!" Suddenly called Death's voice from within him. "Be careful with how you use my power. It is not the strength of my power that you should be afraid of but the abundance of Spiritual Energy that it releases. With such a feeble body,
Nathan, Ava, and Evan felt a rush of nostalgia. The memories they created in Youkatai Mountain would stick with them no matter where they went. It was now time for them to venture into a new chapter of their lives. Ava and Evan wished to see the world for themselves and Nathan was adamant about defeating the Cliques.They were now set to leave the village. They were all carrying heavy bags that had food, water, weapons, and other necessities needed for their journey.Rikugan smiled before wrapping his arms around them for a warm hug."Remember you three, you're always welcomed here no matter where your journey takes you. I am proud to have you as my students and grandchildren!""Thank you, grandpa..! I'm going to miss you so much!" Sobbed Ava."Take care of yourself, gramps! We'll come back when we're finished helping Nathan! Until then, please be well!" Added Evan tearily."I will. Now, please behave yourselves while traveling with Nathan. On your journey, you'll come to see many thi
Nathan felt like the world had stopped moving. His heart thumped against his chest and his breathing became heavy. His eyes became as cold as ice and the air around him became filled with blood lust. He was fueled with rage. He couldn't accept that Sindy and Andrew had been killed."What did you just say..?" He asked in an unsettling voice, looking at Illumi.Illumi began to chuckle like a child, refusing to answer. Due to this, Nathan charged toward the commander burning with rage. However, Rikugan grabbed onto his arm, stopping him from going any further."Nathan, control yourself!" Deterred Rikugan. "There's no guarantee your friends are dead! He could just be provoking you!"Ava and Evan also rushed to Nathan's side, trying their best to calm him down."Dude, calm down..! Gramps could be right! They might just be provoking you to get you to come over to them so that they can grab you and run!" Soothed Evan."Evan's right! Besides, you're in no condition to take on two commanders
Nathan..!" Squealed Ava in shock.Rocca and Illumi were also stunned. Nathan, the Mind Hero, who they believed to be dead was now standing before them. They were sure that he had been killed in the explosion back in Conscience City over a year ago. It made no sense why he was still alive."You..! This isn't possible... You're the Mind Hero, aren't you..? How are you alive..?" Asked Rocca in shock.Nathan didn't give an immediate response. In truth, he had recognized Rocca as well. He was the commander that Rick had fought back in Conscience City over a year ago. If his memory served correctly, Rick had called him The Man Of Steel, Rocca, also known as the most powerful Clique commander."I'm no hero. My name's simply Nathan and I have no interest in telling you how I'm alive."Rocca laughed, "This is great!! There was an order to capture you and that #4 assassin, Isabella! So when we heard you had died, we were quite disappointed!"Nathan ignored Rocca's statement. He was much more co
The fight had begun. Tension was now in the air and adrenaline began to pump. Rikugan lunged at the commanders with his hands shrouded in dark Spirit Energy.Swiftly, he snuck below Illumi's guard and slammed his fist into his stomach. Illumi's mouth widened as the air was squeezed from his lungs. He staggered backward, struggling to regain his balance.However, Rocca was not about to let his partner be defeated so easily. He swung his massive axes at Rikugan, quickly activating an Art Style."Steel Art: Metallic Cut!"Rocca's axes shone brightly as they approached Rikugan. Rikugan had to defend himself. Metallic Cut was an Art Style that sharpened weapons to the point where they could cut even titanium like butter.Nonetheless, Rikugan was prepared. Quickly, he activated a Zen Barrier that barely managed to block Rocca's attack. Fortunately, this had created an opportunity for him to counter."Destruction Art: Destructive Touch!"Rikugan didn't have much Spirit Energy at his disposal
After leaving Nathan behind, Rikugan arrived at the part of the village that was being attacked. The area was ravaged and left in a deplorable state. Houses, shops, and other buildings were now piles of wood scattered across the streets. Flames flickered and smoke danced its way up into the air. However, the fighting had already seemed to stop. The only thing in sight was destruction and bodies of the injured and the dead. This was strange to Rikugan given that he could still sense the Spirit Energies of those who had attacked the village."Grandpa!" Shouted Evan who had finally arrived with Ava. "Why are you just standing around?! Some of the villages are still alive! We need to help them!""Wait, both of you! Don't move!" Warned Rikugan."Huh..? Is something wrong?" Inquired Ava.Rikugan didn't answer. Instead, he peered his eyes before him as if someone was there."I won't fall for such a cheap trick! I know you're there! Save me the trouble and show yourselves!" Shouted Rikugan.
Nathan was exhausted. He had exerted almost every drop of Spirit Energy he had to defeat Death. The only good side to his fatigue was that his real body had no physical injuries. Since it was his Spirit Energy that had been fighting Death, his injuries had not been transferred over physically."Nathy!" Squealed Ava as she wrapped her arms around him. She was filled with joy to see that he had made it back alive."Hey," he replied tiredly. "I told you I'd be okay... I kept my word..!"Evan and Rikugan were also thrilled to see him. Truthfully, they had feared that he wouldn't be able to defeat Death. They were happy this was not the case."Are you feeling okay?" Asked Evan curiously."I'm mostly okay but I'm extremely tired... I feel like I could collapse at any moment...""Well, that's better than being back in Tartarus.""I agree..!" Sighed Nathan"And the seal?" Interjected Rikugan.Nathan then showed his katana to Rikugan, revealing the imprint of Death's name on the side."Wow! Do
Even though he felt like he had just been hit full force by a fast-moving truck, Nathan painfully picked himself up. Despite Death's threat to kill him, he refused to stay down."I see..." He began in a pain-filled voice. "Now it makes sense why I haven't been able to outrun you...""Have you lost your senses? You talk as if you have everything figured out even though you're about to die," proclaimed Death."I'm sorry, Death, but I don't have time to be dead. I'm no longer that kid who always failed his missions and lost every fight. And I'm about to prove that by defeating you!""Don't get cocky, you brat!" Boomed Death as he flew towards Nathan.Once again, time seemed to slow down. Nathan knew that running was pointless. No matter how fast he moved, Death would be able to catch him. His only option was to stand and fight.Nathan then took a deep breath as he prepared to activate an Art Style. His eyes began glowing bright blue while electricity flowed from his body like a beacon. E
Nathan clawed his way out of the grave. His body was rigged with pain but he couldn't allow himself to stay down. He had to defeat Death, no matter what."It's true," smirked Nathan. "You are strong... But that's exactly how I like it. The stronger you are, the stronger I will be when I make your power mine!""You insolent pest!" Boomed Death in annoyance.A dark sword made from flaming Death Energy then formed in Death's hand. Nathan knew that this meant trouble. However, before he could properly prepare himself, Death flew toward him at insane speeds.Following this, Death swung his sword violently at Nathan. Nathan, however, managed to block the attack with the blunt of his katana at the last second. Sadly, he had not calculated the terrifying power that would accommodate Death's attack.The power of Death's attack shattered the ground into pieces like glass, uprooting dead trees and graves with ease. The force sent Nathan flying through over a dozen dead trees before he collided w
Nathan, Rikugan, Ava, and Evan all sat in a circle while holding hands. Everyone aside from Rikugan was on the verge of suffering from an anxiety attack."G-grandpa, do we have to do this? This is suicide!" Argued Evan."This is not only Nathan's problem, Evan. This problem is as much ours as it is his. If we do not find a way to tame that angel inside of him then one day, its power will destroy the Mind World. We must do this!"Evan lowered his head as he tried to calm himself. He wanted to run away but he knew he had no choice but to fight."Grandpa, how can you be so calm? I know you're strong but not even you could stand up to an angel! Why aren't you scared?" Trembled Ava."Ava, sometimes we must face the things we fear the most. That is the only way to defeat our greatest nightmares.""I'm sorry that you guys have to go through with this..." Apologized Nathan.Ava smiled at Nathan, comforting him. Evan also gave him a reassuring nod to signify that it was okay. Following this, R