Chapter 84: Festival – Encounter (2)

“How did you figure it out?”

Altair let out a deep laugh as he asked the question. I hid my expression while murmuring to myself.

‘I can’t tell him I saw it in my past life.’

To be precise, I didn’t recognize the old man’s face, but rather his cane. At first glance, it looked like a simple wooden stick, but in reality, it was the Cane Sword Syndicate, one of the most well-known S-class weapons.

Inside that wooden cane was a sharp black blade.

It was truly a weapon fit for an assassin, and its distinctive design had been very popular among players. Thanks to that, I was able to identify who this old man was.

I slowly looked him up and down. In Miracle Blessing M, he always wore a hood that radiated charisma.

But now, he was dressed in a Hawaiian shirt with the words “Love & Peace” written across the chest, and his half-closed eyes gave him a lazy appearance. It was as if a wise old master from a famous martial arts series were sitting in front of me. The only difference was that he wasn’t wearing sunglasses.

‘So the strongest assassin is an eccentric old man like this…?’

As I swallowed hard, Altair nodded, as if he had reached a conclusion on his own.

“You used presence detection to your advantage, young man.”

“…?”

I blinked, not understanding. Altair’s smile grew even wider.

“I completely erased my presence using the Blessing of the Raven. After a lifetime as an assassin, the killer instinct is ingrained in me. But ironically, not sensing anything must have caught your attention. Besides, I tried to contact you through Knox, so the timing was convenient.”

What the hell was he talking about? I had identified him by his cane—I hadn’t even been paying attention to his presence.

In fact, I had been so relaxed that I hadn’t heightened my senses with any blessings. If he had tried to attack me, I probably wouldn’t have reacted in time.

I simply opened my eyes in confusion. Altair seemed to understand immediately, shaking his head with enthusiasm and murmuring.

“A terrifying level of insight for someone so young.”

I considered correcting him but decided not to. He seemed to be coming to his own conclusions and answering himself. There was no need to explain anything.

‘I understand now why they say staying silent makes you seem smarter.’

I kept quiet. Altair smiled contentedly.

“I suppose you already have an idea of why I wanted to see you.”

“More or less.”

To be honest, I had no clue.

“That makes things easier. They say old men don’t have time to waste. Thank you for saving me some.”

He folded his handkerchief and placed both hands on the handle of his cane. The atmosphere grew heavier. The shadows of the trees swayed in the summer breeze.

“I’m not here because of the assassination attempt ordered by the elder council.”

“Excuse me?”

I blinked in surprise, but Altair slowly shook his head.

“Family matters should be handled within the family. What’s the point in discussing something that’s already been resolved? If that were my only reason, I wouldn’t have traveled halfway across the world from Sicily to Korea. I sought you out for something far more important.”

“……”

Auditore had refused the elders’ order to assassinate me. It was obvious that he wouldn’t accept such a frivolous request to eliminate a mere cadet without solid proof.

However, he had likely started watching me after receiving that request. And after witnessing my battle with Mao Lang and my use of mental domain, his interest in me must have grown even more.

‘But… is there something more important than that?’

Altair narrowed his eyes, and a crimson glow flickered within them, radiating an almost mystical intensity. He looked at me directly, his gaze barely open.

“Young man…”

His voice dropped to a deep, low tone. Instinctively, my hand slid toward the handle of my sashimi knife in my pocket.

If something went wrong, I would draw it instantly. At the same time, Altair gripped the handle of his cane tightly.

Despite his appearance as a simple old man in casual clothes, this man was the strongest assassin in the world. A single moment of carelessness could cost me my life.

Whoosh.

A cool breeze swept away the heat in the air. The tension in my body was palpable. Altair lightly tapped the tip of his cane with his index finger and finally spoke.

“What is your relationship with my granddaughter?”

“……”

My fingers, which were about to draw my knife, froze.

Altair coughed lightly and then asked one last question.

“Are you two dating?”

***

I explained my relationship with Chloe for about ten minutes. Altair stroked his beard as he listened attentively, his slightly reddened ears making him look like a perverted old man.

“We’re just friends, nothing more than that.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Altair nodded several times. He finally seemed satisfied and showed a clear, friendly smile. However, I felt a slight internal disappointment seeing him like this.

‘…I can’t believe the leader of an assassin family is this kind of person.’

In the game, his dialogues were always just “……” and he had an imposing presence. But in reality, he seemed like an ordinary old man you could find in any park. I scratched the back of my neck, hiding my inner confusion.

‘Still, when he got serious earlier, his pressure was truly terrifying. He’s no ordinary man.’

Altair pulled out his handkerchief again and wiped his face before standing up.

“Anyway, I’ve resolved my doubts, so I’ll be leaving. Please take care of my granddaughter as a ‘friend.’ You know, she has a somewhat weak personality. I’m sure spending time with you might change her.”

Altair smiled slightly. I stared at him and then spoke.

“…Do you really think Chloe should become an assassin?”

I didn’t want to meddle in other people’s family matters.

‘However…’

Over the past few days, I couldn’t help but recall Chloe’s face.

The look of satisfaction and joy she showed while preparing ingredients. Her nature was clearly one that found happiness in simple, everyday things.

Upon hearing my question, Altair remained motionless for a moment before smiling faintly.

“You’ve surely seen another side of Chloe.”

Chloe’s yandere mode… I swallowed hard and nodded slowly. Altair let out a soft chuckle.

“That is her true nature. A ferocity akin to that of a wild beast. Would you let such a creature roam free under the sunlight?”

“That is a result of Auditore’s training.”

I responded firmly. Altair shook his head.

“We’re not as dysfunctional a family as people think. It’s true that, since assassination is our primary trade, our teaching methods are somewhat… unique. But first and foremost, we are a family.”

He let out a long sigh before continuing.

“Chloe is, in fact, the opposite. In the family, we’ve worked hard to suppress that side of her. For years, we put effort into instilling reason and control in her, but when her emotions overflow, her fangs show.”

“……”

“I understand your concern for Chloe as a friend. However, though it pains me to say it, if you want to keep your head on your shoulders, don’t get too close to her. You never know when she might turn against you.”

His words made sense and seemed filled with genuine concern.

‘But…’

After listening in silence, I spoke calmly.

“Stop acting.”

“Acting? What are you talking about?”

Altair frowned, as if he didn’t understand. I crossed my arms and answered firmly.

“It’s fine if you want to pretend you’re worried. But if you’re going to mix lies into your words, you should at least hide them better.”

Without waiting for a response, I pulled Murasame from my pocket.

Slash!

Rustle, rustle, rustle.

Rustle, rustle, rustle.

At that moment, among the trembling leaves of the trees, several figures appeared.

Individuals with hoods covering their faces, each wielding sharp weapons.

‘The Auditore assassins.’

Under the hoods, their red eyes glowed intensely. The killing intent in the air was palpable, and they seemed ready to attack at any moment.

Altair erased all expression from his face and spoke in a mechanical tone.

“…Since when did you notice?”

The circle around me began to tighten slowly, like a noose being drawn.

His eyes radiated such a thick killing intent that it felt almost tangible. Observing the situation calmly, I answered.

“You said it yourself earlier, that I have good instincts. It’s something like that.”

“….”

Altair observed me in silence for a moment before raising a hand. With a simple gesture, the assassins dissolved into the shadows, disappearing as if they had never been there.

Silence once again dominated the atmosphere. Finally, Altair let out a soft laugh.

“You’re far more impressive than I expected.”

I put Murasame back into my pocket and responded coldly.

“And you’re much less than I imagined.”

* * *

Step, step.

Altair walked at a leisurely pace along the tree-lined path. Although he had long since dried out his emotions as an assassin, a faint expression of enjoyment could be seen on his face.

He had spent over sixty years living as the Head of Auditore and as the greatest assassin in history. Instinctively, Altair placed his wrinkled hand over his chest.

It had been a long time since his heart, worn down by countless killings, had pounded with such intensity. Emotions were stirring inside him, unsettling him.

‘Kang Geom-Ma…’

Even in front of him, the young man hadn’t shown a hint of hesitation.

A talent that allowed him to wield mental domain at an extremely young age, with a perception that compensated for his limited experience.

He couldn’t be described with a simple word like genius. Altair whispered the young man’s name once more, as if mulling over his thoughts.

Stop.

After walking for a while, Altair suddenly came to a halt.

He slightly shifted his gaze. From the shadow of a tree, a figure emerged like an illusion.

“Knox.”

“Yes, head of the family.”

Knox kept his eyes fixed on the ground. However, he could faintly sense his leader’s emotions, which made his body tremble slightly. The Head, known for his cold precision, was smiling genuinely.

“It was worth coming all this way.”

“…I’m glad you’re satisfied.”

Altair nodded slightly and continued speaking.

“It was the first time.”

“Excuse me? In what way…?”

Knox, confused, left his question unfinished. Altair let out a low laugh.

“The first time I felt fear for someone.”

Knox was left speechless, unable to respond. His shoulders trembled as he tried to process those words.

“I want to see that young man again soon.”

“……”

Altair resumed walking, but this time he didn’t use his cane for support on the ground. Instead, he held it firmly in his hand.

The handle was drenched in sweat.

***

A few minutes later…

“Oh, Kang Geom-Ma! Have you been waiting long?”

Chloe approached, waving her hand. It seemed like she had left in a hurry, as her hair was still slightly damp.

“No, I just got here too.”

“Heyy~!”

Chloe looked at me with her big eyes shining with excitement. A bright expression spread across her face.

As I watched her, I fell into thought.

‘It wouldn’t be a good idea to tell her I met with the head of the family.’

Chloe seemed to be starting to improve her relationship with Knox. I had a feeling that the distance between them wasn’t due to real hostility, but rather to their family’s culture.

The brief meeting with Altair had made that clear to me. His words were carefully woven with lies meant to confuse me.

Although he almost fooled me with his relaxed appearance and seemingly carefree demeanor, once I reactivated my perception with mental domain, I could sense the sharp threat hidden in his presence.

They had been using the Blessing of the Raven, a blessing that completely conceals one’s presence. If I hadn’t had Murasame with me, I wouldn’t have noticed a thing.

‘A rather cunning old man.’

I finished my thoughts and made a decision. I wouldn’t say anything.

Not because I wanted to hide it, but because I didn’t want to ruin her good mood with unnecessary details.

“What should we do now?”

Chloe asked with a bright smile. I scratched my cheek before answering.

“Hmm, according to the schedule, there’s a parade in the afternoon. When night falls, there will be fireworks. What do you think about watching them in order?”

“Yes, that sounds great!”

Chloe nodded enthusiastically, a wide smile on her face. Seeing that expression, I couldn’t help but smile back.

“President! Chloe!”

A familiar voice called out from the distance. It was Speedweapon, his arms full of souvenirs. At his side, Ryozo walked with her usual serious expression, while Senior Ha-na silently followed behind.

Chloe seemed slightly surprised by the sudden gathering of club members. She puffed out her cheeks and turned her head away, looking a little annoyed. Still, she didn’t seem like she intended to push them away.

“Weren’t you all going to spend the day separately? Why are you together now?”

I asked curiously, but Speedweapon tilted his head with equal curiosity and answered.

“Huh? But the president sent a message telling us to meet here at four.”

Speedweapon showed me his phone. On the screen, there was a message from my number. Of course, I hadn’t sent anything.

‘…There’s only one person who would do something like this.’

I narrowed my eyes and glanced at Ryozo out of the corner of my eye. She stuck out her tongue playfully.

____