Karl no Tensei: Transmigrated as an Assassin with a Mana Meter-Chapter 49: Ch : Infiltration

I brushed away the dust stains from my cloak as I landed on my feet from the tree branch. Ahead of me lay a large mansion, isolated away from the rest of the Sparkhaven City. Situated right at the borders of the city, it stood out as a beacon of light amongst the surrounding wilderness and broken, ancient debris.

I was still a little far away from the territory of the mansion. The walls were raised high around it, with watchtowers rising at sharp corners. A few patrols could also be seen roaming around the perimeter of the mansion.

These patrols weren’t dressed elegantly like regular soldiers back at the academy but rather in leather armor. As far as I could see, they didn’t even have any proper helmet and each carried weapons of their own choice.

Glancing one last time at the watchtower, I started circling the area. I still didn’t risk approaching the territory. I needed to atleast know the layout of the outer region before I planned my next move.

As I moved from the northern area to the south, I saw increase in random groups of people that crowded outside the mansion walls. They were all seated at large carpets sprawled on the ground and looked to be having a fun time. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

My eyes shifted to a wooden board that was placed in the middle of their circle. Probably a type of board game.

I moved on.

This southern side of the mansion was extremely close to the borders of Sparkhaven City. An interesting fact that I had noticed is the lack of any city guards near the territory of Avirin Soren. It was as if it was an unspoken rule that this territory was not to be disturbed.

"It seems like the information I gained was true afterall. This area is the main hub for all the smuggling and drug dealing activities. And no authority even cares about it. Strange." I muttered softly, taking in the sight before me.

These random groups of people were the goons residing in this area. They made up the major population of this border side area. And the organised patrols were hired mercenaries, who were in charge of the security in here.

Though looking in front of me, I could say that the mercenaries performed another function - keep these goons under control.

’Makes sense. A rowdy population under your regime is more dangerous than an invading force. Unless they are kept in line, they shall be the first to cause chaos and confusion in difficult times.’

Aside from that, they were easy labour. Mercenaries need to be paid in generous amount of kiros to buy their services. But the common, poor people - all you need is an ounce of your entire wealth and they shall wag their tails faithfully in front of you.

I saw few people coming out of the mansion. They looked like visitors, each with their personal guards.

’Must be someone rich.’ I thought as I squinted to see in the dark cover of the night.

In the distance beyond the borders of the Sparkhaven City, I saw a small approaching party. Three of them were in horses, trodding at a normal pace with the others walking beside them.

They were heading for the southern gate of the mansion.

***

The watchtower closest to the southern gate lit up in glowing embers that raged against the night sky.

As if on que, the gate groaned on it’s hinges as they parted inwards. Around a dozen mercenaries came out in hurried steps to greet the approaching party from the other side of the border.

From atop the wall, a voice boomed. "Halt! State your purpose at this mansion."

One of the three horses neighed as the person sitting on it treaded forward. On closer look, the man riding the horse was covered in lustrous metallic armor from head to toe. Strange runes ran throughout the surface as a magnetic charm spread in the air.

For a moment, I found my thoughts getting dizzy. Quickly I shook off my head as I closed off the hypnotic wave.

’He is using his abilities...and by the looks of it, it is affecting each of us mentally.’ I thought as I saw the body postures of the mercenaries loosen. As if they have suddenly decided to lower their guard. Even though they probably didn’t know why.

I looked at the knight again. Squinting my eyes, I made out the shape of a sun engraved on his breastplate. Orange strikes of paint radiated from the sun in a dazzling manner.

My eyes bulged.

"That’s the royal sigil of the Rowanian Empire." I whispered in a shocked voice.

And...they were the sworn enemies of the Goudenstad Kingdom. The kingdom where I was in right now.

I glanced at the lucrative mansion behind the high walls. ’What is that guy thinking? Hosting such dangerous figures could lead to his certain death if the kingdom ever learns of it.’

But then I smiled. Shaking my head, I thought. ’Why am I worrying about the future when tonight shall be his last night?’

Just then, the knight shouted. "Commander Bassil would like to meet your lord. We believe this meeting had already been pre-scheduled."

’Commander Bassil?? That commander!!’ I felt my brain melt as I glanced at the giant figure riding the horse in the middle. A red cape draped over his figure, muscles rolling with each movement of his arms and a menacing presence, he was every bit of whatever I had heard and learnt at the Academy.

Commander Bassil. A top military officer at the Rowanian Empire. Not only was he a man of immense prowess but also boasted of three major victories against the Gaudenstan Kingdom.

His name was extremely feared among the common people of this kingdom. And seeing such a legendary figure right in the mainland of the Gaudentan kingdom was extremely uncomfortable.

I watched as they were greeted within their territory with huge respect.

The moment their procession started entering the gates, I came out of my hiding space as I activated One with Shadows.

The next moment, my entire figure camoflauged in the darkness of the moonless sky.

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