Calamity

## [source]

A woman in blue-grey armour suddenly appeared next to the mountain, her lower face hidden by a dark grey mask. One of her eyes was a sapphire blue, but the other was a pupilless grey that looked like a mass of fog.

Both Ghoul and Blood Axe were put off guard by the woman’s arrival, with the latter even taking a step back as he entered battle stance. His muscles were twitching all over, making his nervousness obvious.

“Calamity!” Even Ghoul reached for his swords as he jumped away.

“Cal...amity…” It was only now that the old mage recognised the woman as well, his heart stopping in shock. Calamity was a name that stood for two things— the most powerful assassin union in all of Norland, and the heterochromic woman who stood at its head. This was an assassin who had reached the legendary realm dozens of years ago, and her grey eye was rumoured to be capable of tracing energy flows that allowed her to see through all invisibility. She was the strongest assassin for hire in Norland, outclassing the competition so heavily that even Ghoul and Blood Axe wouldn’t be able to escape her if they joined hands.

Blood Axe laughed bitterly, “Forgive me, I didn’t expect you to be interested in this. I’m willing to give it up, can I leave?”

Calamity’s gaze swept across the two of them, “None of you are leaving.”

Ghoul’s expression turned grim as he brandished his swords, “Then I’ll just have to leave my mark on you.”

The legend scoffed, “Both of you came for the bounty?”

“Hmm? What else?” Blood Axe seemed a little confused, “It’s a huge sum of money; even if I get half of it, I can retire for a couple years.”

Ghoul nodded his head in agreement. Assassins could earn a lot, but it wasn’t always easy. High risks normally meant high rewards, so not all bounties couldn’t be accepted. There were, for example, a number of people who wanted to target the Archerons, but with Richard’s current standing only idiots would take on such a thing. News never got out because people like that tended to die before they got anywhere near the target. In fact, the Archerons were the highest paying clients whose bounty requests were actually accepted regularly.

## Follower

Calamity locked gazes with the man, “You really are as sly as the rumours say. Yes, I want this to count as mine so I can get closer to him. If possible, my organisation is prepared to join the Archerons entirely.”

Blood Axe was taken aback at this news that could shock mainland Norland, “Join the Archerons now? Even if we ignore the reapers, I heard that the Sacred Tree Empire just launched an attack on the Azan Peninsula. They’ve erupted into war!”

Excitement flashed across Wells’s face as he heard this. Richard wasn’t completely invincible, and he definitely couldn’t stand up to the entire Sacred Tree Empire. Once the Archerons were destroyed, he would have a chance to free himself.

However, Calamity seemed to be deliberately wooing the two, explaining with patience, “Do you think there will be another opportunity? The Archerons are weak right now, and those that help will be regarded as core followers.”

“But the Empire…”

“The Empire’s been blocked at Blackrose Castle. Earl Alice has less than a tenth of their number, but they can’t break her defences.”

Despite this news, Ghoul and Blood Axe continued to hesitate. It was surprising enough for the Archerons to be able to block the army of the Sacred Tree Empire in their current circumstances, but being able to hold on for one day didn’t mean they would last longer. The fall of Blackrose Castle would decimate the Archerons; even if Richard was powerful himself, the Empire had people who could go toe to toe with him.

Calamity smiled coldly, “Because the way back will be rough as well. I’m not the only person after this rascal, and I need help. This is the most important mission the Archerons have issued in recent times, and many others will be aware of the opportunity to gain Master Richard’s favour. His prospects aren’t limited to the Sacred Alliance.”

The two others finally understood. The underworld was also far more pragmatic than upper class society, respecting power over anything else. So long as Richard stood a chance to reverse the situation, their loyalty was confirmed. In many ways, this was similar to the broodmother’s stated allegiance.

Their next task was to take care of Wells. The guards were all killed in mere moments, and pained cries rang out as all four of the youth’s limbs were torn open and forced shut with secret potions within. He would be completely crippled in a matter of minutes, with the only recourse being to cut everything off and regrow it with legendary divine magic. Blood Axe wrapped him in canvas and hoisted him up, setting off for Blackrose Castle.

### **The Battle Of The Black Rose**

Ghoul and Blood Axe seemed relieved as well. It seemed like Calamity’s information was accurate, and the Archerons truly were recruiting followers even if the requirements were strict. The bounty had also definitely played a part in how low the requirements for them were.

As both sides were about to part, Calamity noticed a sizeable army walking through the portal to Blackrose Castle. Feeling auras that left even her frightened, she paused and asked, “Your Excellency, could we know where they are headed?”

“Of course. Richard just declared a special battlefield against the Sacred Tree Empire. The rewards are quite high, but participation is not compulsory. Those participating tend to be free agents who don’t owe allegiance to any one empire.”

“Can I join?” her eyes glowed.

“I won’t stop you, but you are still injured. It would be ill-advised.”

“These wounds are nothing. As long as our limbs can still move, we’ll continue to fight.” Calamity headed towards the door, her three followers standing up and bumping their fists together as they muttered softly, “For Calamity!”

This was a ritual before every battle, both to look towards the future and remember their comrades who had fallen so long ago. There were nine founding members of this union, but the four in this hall were the only ones still alive.

Calamity paused, “No, it’s For Points. Once we have enough, it will be For Richard.”

The six assassins left in silence, not noticing the soft sigh and shake of the head from Ruben. The Celestial Sage recognised even Ghoul and Blood Axe, and understood the trouble assassins could bring. All of these hopefuls had killed too many important people in the past, and knew too many secrets. The rich often used them to take care of dirty business and then tried to have them killed, while the families of the victims always held grudges.

## References

1. ↑ Book 9, Chapter 68
2. ↑ Book 9, Chapter 69
3. ↑ Book 9, Chapter 73