The Academy's Genius Assassin Chapter 1 - Reborn

"I’m alive."

I uttered those words out of relief. But I was still on the brink of death.

A cold wind swept across the empty road as the faint lights of the Royal Capital flickered in the far distance.

Both of my arms were on the verge of falling apart, my left lung was punctured, and there was blood in my trachea, making it practically impossible to breathe.

My mind was wavering, each of my steps sluggish. The dirt road beneath my feet was stained with droplets of blood, each step leaving a darker trail behind .

In the distance, I could clearly see the Royal Capital, my final destination. Massive stone walls surrounded the city, towering high above the plains like an unbreakable fortress. Watchtowers rose above the walls, their lanterns glowing faintly in the night.

’I need to get rid of my clothes... If I were to approach the gates looking like this, they’d arrest on the spot.’

I removed my bloodied clothes and threw them inside of my private subspace.

At the sa ti, I got a black t-shirt and a pair of jeans, the most normal clothing that I could think of.

Each step felt heavy, but, at last, I had managed to reach the Royal Capital’s gates.

Large iron doors stood open between the towering walls while travelers, rchants, and carriages slowly passed through under the watchful eyes of ard guards.

"Please show so form of identification!" One of the two guards exclaid.

"Y-Yes... please give a second."

As I tried to grab my fake identity from my pockets, I suddenly felt extrely dizzy, and I could only think of a single thing.

’Fuck... did I really fail?’

***

"I still have no idea how he can still be alive."

The voice was faint but still found its way to my ears.

’Did they find ?’

I couldn’t even find the strength to open my eyes as my right arm wandered on the small table next to . The faint scent of dicine lingered in the air, and soft fabric brushed against my fingers.

’I-I need a weapon...’

My fingers brushed against the table silently as I felt a sharp object on it.

With quick and silent movents, I grabbed it and hid it behind my back; only then did I "awaken" from my slumber.

"Argh..."

I made the noise on purpose.

I needed to analyze the look on that person’s face.

"Y-You’re already up?!"

’Surprise.’

Only then did I feel the muscles in my body relax.

My fear was all for naught.

I was scared that they might have found again.

But luckily, it seed that I’d been saved by normal people.

I slowly opened my eyes, revealing a small, well-lit room. Shelves filled with potions and dical tools lined the walls, and a window nearby allowed soft daylight to spill across the floor.

"You should rest so more. You’re still very low on blood. If you push yourself right now, you might have a heart attack."

With a quick glance at her attire, I could tell that she was the person who had healed .

"Thank you, but I have to leave."

I tried to stand up, but my legs instantly gave out. Still, this much was nothing, as I pushed myself back up with the help of the table and the bed.

The woman frowned as she got in my way.

"I’m sorry, but I can’t let you leave. Not like this."

I stayed silent and didn’t move a muscle. However, my intentions were as clear as day. Nothing would be making stay here.

"If you’re worried about people finding you, then don’t worry; I can vouch that no one here will reveal your identity to anyone. You have my word!"

"H-How do you know my identity...?"

Instinctively, my killing intent seeped through my eyes, scaring the woman.

"Your na is Yike Vale! You’re an orphan without any known bloodline. That’s all I know, I swear!"

’The secret identity I prepared for my escape... good.’

I felt a sense of relief wash over my entire body.

For the first ti ever, I could finally take a deep breath and relax.

No one was trying to kill in my sleep.

I was free.

"I see that’s... good. I-I think I’ll sleep so mo—"

Before I could even finish my sentence, I lost consciousness once more.

***

-Beep.

-Beep.

-Beep.

All I heard was the rhythmic sound of my heart as I opened my eyes once more.

My body felt light, and so did my mind.

I was fully recovered.

Sunlight stread through the window beside the bed, illuminating the small room and the scattered items around it.

"Y-You’re finally up!"

The sa woman from before joyfully exclaid. There were dark circles under both her eyes and all around her were a bunch of snacks and unfinished als scattered across the nearby desk and floor.

I could already tell that she was crazy. Who would care this much for a stranger?

I frowned a little. ’Why does she look so happy to see anyway? Most people I’ve t in my life would run away at my re sight.’

"I did it~!" The woman began chanting over and over again.

"Did sothing happen?" I muttered, confused.

She smiled brightly. "You’re the first person that I’ve ever managed to save~!"

My eyebrows raised on their own. ’Was my life really in the hands of soone like her?’

Both of her cheeks began turning bright red as if she read my thoughts.

"It’s not that I’m bad or anything! I-I swear! It’s just that you were the first case assigned to . I’ve been learning from the other healers for a few years, and they finally let test my skills on you."

"A test?" I tilted my head. "They were making a test with my life on the line?"

The girl scratched her head innocently. "Mhm, well... if you say it like that."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. I’ll take my leave from here."

"W-Wait, before you leave, could I at least run a few tests on you?"

"That won’t be necessary. I feel perfectly fine."

She opened her mouth again, but no words ca out.

"Then, at least, take my card. If you ever get into any trouble, don’t hesitate to call ~!"

[Alia Lix]

[Affiliation: Royal Academy Student]

[Insert your mana in this card to call !]

My eyes widened a little as I discovered her identity.

’The Lix Bloodline? The strongest healing bloodline in the world? Not only that, but she’s a student at the Royal Academy?’

My thoughts began running wild as I watched the crazy maniac before .

’The Royal Academy... It was my first option to hide my identity. I was just worried about getting a connection to join it, but... it seems that I’ve found it.’