Published at 9th of August 2026 10:09 am

Chapter 369: Muddy Waters

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Nicolai passed into a voluminous space, a great circular expanse with walls pocked by alcoves. On the far side of the room there rose a stage-like area, wrapped by a railing. A few armoured Thrynn bodyguards stood up there, either side of a doorway.

Of more immediate interest to Nicolai were the people spread through the room, almost all of whom were at that moment turning to stare at him.

He recognised these people, in type at least. That rarefied breed known as the assassin. Killers with the necessary combinations of subtlety, patience, and skill needed to get into guarded places without alarm, wait until the moment was right, then eliminate the target and make an escape.

All the cultivators were Tier 2, and a surprising number of those from Earth were too. As for the cyborgs who were not Tier 2, all of them at least had a full Node system and noticeably more augmentation than the others. Recently thered been some type of shiftoriginally the Houses only wanted people at Tier 2, but recently thatd changed to allowing those at Tier 1, so long as they had a larger amount of augmentation.

He even spied a few full-conversion types, people who had taken on specific forms where a large portion of their body was dedicated to providing capabilities beyond what was normally possible, such as full-spectrum editing camouflagethe same type as Zero-Twelve, which edited light and sound to provide the best possible stealth.

It was a nasty looking crowd, all keeping a wary distance between one another, and none of them looked at all happy to see him. He spied quite a few smirks and sneers, and as he moved to take up a place towards the back of the crowd, he realised the attention was not going away. The few whod come in a group were muttering to one another.

He would have liked to send drones out to give him dispersed ears through the crowd, but on the way in the attendant had told him in rather strong terms not to let out any such aids, whether cultivation-based or tech-based. The man had specifically mentioned drones. Apparently the Thrynn Patriarch had taken a dislike to the way clouds of them so often swarmed the air throughout the City. Nicolai had heard here and there that this was becoming an increasingly common view among the People. Apparently, they considered the masses of drones an odious, noisy, annoying presence. This was, in fairness, quite understandable. Most corporate cities on Earth had similar policies.

Before Nicolai could start reading lips and trying to work out what exactly the problem was, a few people started coming his way. Two of them, both Cultivators though wearing tight-fitting, semi-armoured clothing as opposed to the typical robes, had been standing togetherone of the rare groups. The other was a man wearing plain Earth clothing and a backpack, with average, unmemorable features, though currently they were split in a big smile.

This is the assassin tryouts, one of the approaching two said loudly. Soldier tryouts are next week.

Then Im in the right place, said Nicolai. He turned to face the pair fully and they slowed, wary. He was bigger than hed been, bulked out further by all his gear, and the gunlimbs and the Infiltrator lurking on his back.

The plain-clothed man wasnt concerned, though. He shook his head, his smile twisting into a grin. Youre Nicolai, right?

Thats right.

Do you know who I am?

Nope.

Good. Thats because Im good at not drawing attention to myself. Im good at getting in and out of places without being seen. Or, to put it another way, Im an assassin. Whereas you, my friend... everyone knows you. He shook his head, seemingly pitying.

Thats right, said one of the pair, then the man launched into it. A bloodthirsty madman! No ability to be stealthy. You shouldnt be hereyoull just confuse matters, and youve no chance of winning. We dont need some crazy idiot running around causing chaos. This is a game for people with a brain.

Nicolai eyed the three of them, slightly surprised. He would have expected this kind of crowd to be allergic to the idea of drawing attention, and especially allergic to the idea of making a target of themselves by starting a pointless confrontation. But he supposed there were always a few whod simply not yet had time for their stupidity to get them killed. As to what he ought to doin front of a crowd like this, it was best not to show any weakness.

He took a few stomping steps until he stood right before the one whod spoken, faceless helmet staring down. A bloodthirsty madman, am I? he whispered, in a voice cold as death, muscles bunching, Soul Sense swelling as he leaned forward, until it seemed he was moments from attacking.

The pair were quick to back up, faces paling. The moment theyd gained a few feet they slowed, perhaps remembering he couldnt actually hurt them, perhaps feeling the contemptuous eyes of many others witnessing their near-instantaneous retreat. Scowling, they turned and moved away.

As subtle as always, said the plain clothed man, smiling still.

Ive heard one should play to their strengths, answered Nicolai easily, dropping the appearance of imminent violence and shifting his eyes to the man. Did you have something you wanted to say?

The man raised his hands, then made a quick zipping gesture over his still smiling mouth. Nicolai judged this one significantly more dangerous than the two hed driven off, largely because Threat Analysis, in spite of scanning him multiple times and in multiple ways, still couldnt find any signs of a weapon.

He turned a slow gaze through the room, and this time few met his eyes for long. But the feeling that he was not welcome here, that he was not one of them, remained.

He supposed he should not be surprised he was getting this reaction, not only following on from the tournament, but also because of the simple fact of his appearance. His choice of augmentation gave him the look of someone much more focused on brute strength and speed than stealth. He was, in fact, one of the largest in the room. Alas, he didnt actually possess quite as much strength as his size implied, as his surgery had predominantly been setting up the scaffolding that would then be added to as he absorbed bar after bar of strong and spiritual metals.

Regardless, he looked more like a heavily armed front-liner than a skulking assassin, and he could certainly understand why those around him took issue with him.

However, from Nicolais point of view, there was nothing contradictory or strange about him being present there. He still ultimately considered himself a kind of assassin.

This was because he did not follow the typical human paradigm. In this day and age, the majority of those in the business of solo killing focused largely on stealth, speed, hacking, and social methods. They were also very competent fighters and well armed, certainly, but not to the same degree as a high level merc. However, this was because the average human either struggled to employ his preferred methods, or simply didnt see the point in trying.

Nicolai was adhering to the Killbot method. A Killbot was effectively a heavily armoured, highly capable military asset armed with such an extraordinary amount of firepower that it would typically be able to outfight anything within its weight class, even multiple opponents. At the same time, it possessed comprehensive stealth and hacking abilities, to the point where a Killbot could infiltrate its way right up close to a target. From there, the standard method was for it simply to go all guns blazing as it looked to annihilate the target, its defences, and then make its escape.

The vast majority of humans wouldnt be able to fill all those roles at once, and even those who were somehow different, more capable, would at most be able to fill only most of them. But with the Modules to ai him and fill in any holes, plus Hornet Cloaking Symbiotes, his jets and gun limbs, and a wealth of experience, Nicolai was able to utilise that method. This was why he looked how he looked.

Besides, in his experience, no matter how stealthy you were, and no matter how careful, eventually you got caught out, and at that moment having a focus on raw combat paid off. Over the years, he had come to realise that he was willing to make sacrifices in other areas to ensure he was always ready for when that moment came.

As he completed his slow once-over of the room, his gaze came to rest on someone who did not look away. A tall man who lounged against the wall, muscular arms crossed. He wore the same extremely customisable type of skinsuit as Nicolai, though his, owing to that customisability, looked quite different. He was heavily augmented. His soul was Tier 2, golden.

Nicolai couldnt see the mans eyes, hidden as they were by a helmet so much like his own, but he felt them. Just from the mans build, he could guess this was the singular other individual in the room to employ a strategy similar to his own. Hed noticed this man in the very first moments of his entering, where the Modules awareness and his own had flashed through the room, instantly marking out those of special interest. This man had especially caught his attention.

It was not really due to anything spiritual, nor anything to do with threat detection, other than, perhaps, the fact that this man ticked a number of boxes.

Nicolai had been in this business a long time, and with that had come a near-instinctive awareness for danger. This man radiated it in waves, and from the flavour of that danger Nicolai recognised what he was. A master of the craft, the kind of individual who could face off against numerous others at the same weight class and come out on top, who was not simply skilled but elite. Or, to put it another waysomeone like him.

Threat Analysis informed him of movement up on the stage. The nobles were arriving. In sync, he and the other skin-suited killer looked away from one another, to watch the stageas everyone else was doing. Neither wanted to stand out more than necessary, pointless as it may be in Nicolais case. Regardless, he remained absolutely aware of the other man, and knew he was being monitored in turn.

The Thrynn nobles finished forming up on the stage, lining the railing and staring down with a mixture of expressions, some thoughtful, some contemptuous, some wary. Nicolai recognised the Thrynn patriarch front and centre, who was considering the spread of murderous-looking individuals before him with a calculating little frown and pursed lips, like a stock-trader eyeing a spreadsheet. His eyes touched on Nicolai and lingered for just a moment, then continued on.

To the patriarchs side was another familiar figure. Edrin Thrynn, his son who Nicolai had saved. The young noble smiled and nodded to Nicolai, who nodded back. He could practically feel the killers throughout the room taking note of this.

Welcome, began the Patriarch. Today, three of you have a chance to join House Thrynn as holders of the Assassin role. We may choose a single First Assassin and two Junior Assassins. Who we choose, and which role we make available to them, will depend on your performance in todays trial.

The patriarch then launched into an explanation of what they would be facing, and those listening grew very still and silent as they paid careful attention. It transpired that this trial was not going to take place in some room or area within the Thrynn compound. Rather, it seemed quite similar to a Tournament, with Heaven setting up the game. They would be transported to a closed-off section of the City (whether this place actually, physically existed here, or was created ad-hoc, Nicolai didnt know) where they would find a noble compound, just like those possessed by each of the People Houses here, full of guards and defensive measures.

And, just like in the Tournament, no one would actually die. Nicolai was faintly disappointed to hear this, but he supposed if all the Players in the City got themselves killed in these trials, then there would barely be any left to take part in the House War.

The Patriarch told them there were five objectives which one could complete within this trial, and that anyone who completed an objective could expect a reward from Heaven.

Three of those goals revolved around what was clearly the focus of the trial. In a well-guarded location deep in the compound was a magical item called the Orb of Trouble. The first player to lay their hands on it would complete an objective.

From there, whoever managed to hold the orb for the longest period of time would complete the second objective, and finally, whoever took the orb to the drop-off point would complete the third. Delivering the orb would also immediately end the trial.

The fourth and fifth objectives had nothing to do with the orb. One would be given to whoever eliminated the greatest number of other players, and the other would go to anyone who finished the trial without once being detected. In the event multiple people fulfilled this, it would go to whoever had the highest eliminations, or, preferentially, who had completed the most other objectives.

You are free to do whatever you wish in this trial, said the Patriarch. But if you desire to be chosen as an assassin of House Thrynn, you would be best served by focusing on the orb.

To Nicolai, this suggested that the Thrynn were looking for a well-rounded assassin or assassins, rather than simple, combat-focused killers. Which would have been a point against him, if he was the brainless murderer so many in this room believed he was. Thankfully, he was not. As to the stealth objective, he dismissed it as unworkable.

He also found it interesting that the Patriarch did not say that achieving any or even all of the objectives would guarantee they would be chosen. Rather, it simply seemed the nobles would be watching, noting successes and failures. He suspected it was ultimately entirely up to the nobles, and that even if one achieved none of the objectives, they could still be chosen.

However, as the Patriarch had said, the objectives around the orb were certainly one of the metrics they were most focused on. If he wanted to be chosen, his best move was to attempt to achieve all three of the orb objectives.

He was pretty sure this objective-based setup was designed purely to complicate the trial. The first two orb objectives would be the hardest, requiring one to be active in infiltrating the compound and competing with everyone else who went after them. The drop-off objective would encourage someespecially those who were interested in the stealth objectiveto not even bother infiltrating, but set up in ambush at the drop-off point. The kills objective would encourage combat, which would lead to chaos.

All this, and the simple fact of Heaven handing out five rewards (he presumed that each of these rewards would be similar in value to those given to a Tournament winnervaluable, useful things like Permits, weapons not available at the Trade Link, rare Symbiotes, and so on) explained something else hed noticed.

He wasnt the only one in this room who didnt look entirely as youd expect for an assassin. In fact there were a number of sword-wielding Cultivators and heavily armed Cyborgs. There had already been some of these trials from other Houses the previous week, and hed learned they went similarly. Based on this, he realised that each trial would have its share of randoms, those who were purely interested in the rewards and had little expectation of receiving the Role itself.

Are there any questions? finished the Patriarch.

Not a question so much as a suggestion, spoke up one man. It was one of those whod briefly confronted him earlier, and he still wore a scowl. There are people here who do not have any kind of skill in a competiion like this. Theyre just here to cause chaos and get in the way. I recommend you dont let them take part. Theyll only muddy the waters. That man, in particular. And he pointed right at Nicolai. Hes the opposite of an assassin! A berserk madman liable to attack everyone around him at the slightest excuse. He almost attacked me, earlier! The last kind of person you would want in your House.

Nicolai carefully didnt clench his fists, fighting down a sudden rush of rage as he glared at the tattletale. You little shit But he recognised the Darks rise, and quickly, smoothly, pushed it down. Not today, no-no, not after his Ascension. And now his sneer was a smile, because hed noticed it easily, and pushed it down easily, and the only thing he couldnt quite shake was the thought that if he did win, one of his first uses for the Assassin Roles ability to counteract the Restriction would be hunting down that man and murdering him.

He told himself it wasnt even something he would do out of anger, anyway. It would be a method of education. Offending someone who had a chance of soon gaining an ability that would allow them to cut through the Restriction was not a smart move. Tactically. And tactical mistakes should be punished.

He looked back to the Patriarch, attempting to read the mans mind from his facial expression. He was 90% sure that the trial was intended to be messy, that they wanted to see how prospective assassins performed in a difficult, volatile situation.

However the last point the dead-man-walking had made was something he would much rather no one had said in the Patriarchs hearing. With his reputation, there was a risk that even if he performed perfectly, that the nobles of House Thrynn may consider him too dangerous to employ. Hed hoped they simply wouldnt be aware of it, as Thrynn had nothing to do with the Duel Arena.

The Patriarch raised an eyebrow. It is not easy to be an assassin, he said simply. I expect the waters will ever be muddy. Anyone who wants to take part can take part. The trial will start momentarily. You can use your marks to transport to your starting area and learn what you will be facing. He did, however, end with another thoughtful look at Nicolai, who had no idea whether that was a good kind of thoughtful or a bad kind. He pushed his worries and the stirring of anger away. There was nothing he could do except his best.

With these words, Nicolais Mark lit up, and the notification that sprang forth said much the same. It would begin in two minutes, but they could transport right away and view the area in which they would start. With flickers of light, many of those throughout the room began to disappear.

He was moments from accepting his Marks request when Observation drew his attention. It was watching Edrin Thrynn. The young man was striding from where he had stood as the other nobles began to break away into little groups, discussing things amongst themselves. He made his way to the side of the stage and down some stairs, then came towards Nicolai.

And so Nicolai waited to see what the young noble would have to say.

You helped me, said Edrin, coming closer, so I will do the same. Im afraid that this challenge will not be easy for you. He grimaced slightly, sighed. Unfortunately, I think the odds that any of you people from Earth will be chosen are very low.

Oh? prompted Nicolai. Aware of the Patriarchs eyes on him, he hunched down a little in an attempt to look smaller, imagining he was something cute and fluffy and entirely safe to be around. His H-gram formed up the most pleasant and friendly of smiling faces. The Modules tried to send him some numbers on the probability of this being successful, but he refused to look.

Yes. My father and the others, what they really want is an assassin who is skilled at getting through spiritual defences. Its a skill many lack, but a very important one in a city where every compound is wrapped in such protections. From what Ive heard, those of you from Earth are very new to all things Cultivating, and thus unlikely to have such a skill. However

Edrin leaned closer, turning and pointing at a slender Cultivator dressed in white robes, complete with a shimmering white veil that hid his features. Not everyone had left yet. In fact, many of them were watching Edrin (while appearing to watch anything else). The young noble was speaking quietly, but Nicolai predicted that at least 8/10 of the people in the room would have a way of hearing regardless. The one he recognised as truly dangerous was still here, too, not even bothering to pretend he wasnt watching.

Nicolai mightve tried to draw Edrin away, or do something else to prevent others hearing, but he only had thirty seconds before his Mark would pull him out of here and he felt the eyes of the Patriarch. It wouldnt do to act in a way that reinforced the image of him as dangerous and unreliable, especially while beside the mans son.

That man over there, murmured Edrin, oblivious to all this, is said to be quite skilled when it comes to passing through spiritual defences. Perhaps you could team up with him.

Is that allowed? asked Nicolai.

Edrin shrugged. From what Ive heard, anything is allowed. He frowned, seeming faintly disapproving. My father said that in this trial, the sneakiest and dirtiest will win. A moment later he perked up. But dont worry if you fail, each Player is allowed to take part in up to three trials, and were having the Captains Trial later today. Im sure someone honourable like you will be well suited to it, moreso than this one.

I appreciate that, said Nicolai, but perhaps Ill surprise you. Has your father and the others spoken of me, specifically?

A little. There was some talk of a Tournament. Edrin shrugged in a way that suggested he didnt know and didnt care. But whatever happened, my House doesnt consider it a problem. You have as good a chance as any.

Nicolais H-gram flashed a smile. Wonderful. I hope to see you again soon, as a fellow member of House Thrynn.

As do I, said Edrin, with a wry grin.

Edrin turned away with a wave, and Nicolai tapped on his Mark, ready to enter.

However, he was brought up short when it didnt work. A message came up saying You cannot enter while carrying another. It took him a moment of consideration to realise the message must be directed at the Infiltrator. Quite a blow to his plans. Unless experimentally, he pulled the Modules currently piloting it out and into him, and the notification faded away. He nodded, thoughtful. With no Modules its Soul was blank, and he knew there were actually devices like this, used by Cultivators. In fact, the Hornet Bug Smasher was a little like one. Puppet-type Artifacts, which came in varying levels of complexity. The system clearly considered the Infiltrator to count as such, now it contained no guiding intelligence. Hed put them back inside the moment he was past this entry.

Nicolai tapped once more on his Mark, and vanished.

As he went, he was thinking that, indeed, he might in fact be perfect for this trial. He and Cyberwarfare had made quite a study of how to handle spiritual defences over the past week with Serrin. The young Hornet had taught them a great deal of theory, and they had even made some basic defences to practise on, but Cyberwarfare had quickly outgrown those and now hungered for new challenges, eager to to put into practice what they had learned and further refine its skills.

There were enough similarities to hacking as used on Earth that, though they might not yet be masters of this skill, they were already far from novices. The practical experience of this trial may be just what they needed to push those skills further still.

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