The Deadly Assassin Robin

Gyro Castle

Robin could tell the store owner’s respectful demeanor wasn’t just because of the Bloodshade Fruit it likely signified some sort of high–status symbol.

“Give us however much you think it’s worth,” Robin said as he pulled out another Bloodshade Fruit and handed it over.

The store owner stared at the Bloodshade Fruit, a look of terror flashing across his eyes.

He then returned to the counter, retrieved two one–million Netheris banknotes, and placed them in front of Robin and Daphne.

“Master,” he said anxiously, “will this suffice? If not, I can offer more!”

Before Robin could respond, Daphne stepped in calmly. “Add another million.”

Robin chuckled inwardly. Ruthless, as always.

She’d earned her nickname as the Sakurania Nordmare’s Underground Queen for a reason.

Daphne had always loathed the greed of stores and pawnshops. When you’re rich, they’d kiss your feet.

But the moment you owe them money, they’d throw you under the bus–and make sure you never got back up. When dealing with people like that you never show mercy when it’s time to bleed them.

People like that only respect power, never virtue.

The store owner hesitated for just a moment before nodding. “Yes, right away!”

“Make it into a mix of 100–thousand bills and half in 200–thousand bills.” she added smoothly.

He respectfully handed over the well–organized three million in notes. “Please, join us in the back for

some tea.”

“We have more pressing matters today,” Robin replied casually. Together with Daphne, he turned to leave.

All the staff, flanking the store owner, lined up respectfully and stayed long after the two exited the building.

One of the younger clerks looked confused. “Sir, the highest price we’ve seen at auction for one Bloodshade Fruit is 200,000. And we just paid three million for two! Isn’t that a massive loss?”

The owner chuckled. “You don’t get it,

“Those Bloodshade Fruits are fake. They’re grown by peddlers hired by some of the lower–tier cultists from the Black Faith Order.

“But these two–what they brought in were the real deal. The Bloodshade Fruits from the Dark Woods. Genuine, peerless treasures.

“Just one of those can extend your life by 30 years. And it can raise your cultivation level by one to ten stages!

“If we sold these to one of the major families in Gyro Castle, we could easily fetch five million a piece.”

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347 Gyro Castle

The clerks all gasped.

They had no idea the Dark Woods Bloodshade Fruits were that powerful.

Still caught up in the thrill of it, the owner continued, “Those two must be Peak Warrior from the Netheris Crownward Syndicate.

“Every year, the Netheris Crownward Syndicate sends Peak Warrior into the Dark Woods to hunt rare beasts and gather Bloodshade Fruits.

“But only one in ten years comes back out alive.

“And if they do return with a beast or fruit, they’re instantly promoted to bishop or even high priest in Dark Syndicate.

“Even the leaders of the Black Faith Order would bow to them.”

The clerks could hardly contain their awe. They never expected to meet such powerful figures in their lifetimes.

Outside, Robin and Daphne had barely made it down the street when the middle–aged man and his young son from earlier caught up to them.

“Please wait!” the man called out, hurrying toward them.

Robin turned to face him. “Can we help you?”

He’d noticed earlier that this man had been watching them carefully.

The man stepped forward and gave a formal bow. “I am Caius Virelli, Lord of Gyro Castle. This is my son, Alaric Virelli. We greet you, Masters.”

Robin raised a brow. Why did everyone here keep calling them Master?

Still, the way this Caius acted–it was clear that such a title held real weight in this region.

“Did you two come from the Dark Woods?” Caius asked.

Daphne nodded. “That’s right. Why?”

Caius continued, “In past years, the warriors from Crownward Syndicate usually came to hunt in the Dark Woods for a month or two. This year, the two bishops arrived quite early.

“And recently, there have been fewer and fewer coming at all. Most return empty–handed–no beasts, no fruit.”

He glanced meaningfully at Robin. Anyone who walks out of the Dark Woods with a Bloodshade Fruit like that is no ordinary warrior. They’re elite members of the Dark Syndicate.

“If you wouldn’t mind, it would be an honor to host you at my castle.”

Through this casual conversation, Robin started piecing together the structure of the Netheris Dom noveldrama

Netheris Domain was ruled by the Netheris, ruling over 199 vassal states.

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Though the Syndicate.

Pyro Castle

#Finished

emperor was the nominal head, the true power lay with the High Pontiff of the Dark

Under High Pontiff were nine Pontifl

Beneath them were high priests; sect

Apart from a few major subsidiaader, preachers, and finally, the common believers.

tions the syndicate only has Pontiffs stationed in specific regions.

In smaller nations, they relied on anyndicates to control the local lords.

The black–clad enforcers they’d seen earlier belonged to the Black Faith Order–an offshoot of the Dark Syndicate and the true authority in Gyro Castle.

Gyro Castle, it turned out, was located

Domain.

in Rosha–a border nation at the southern edge of the Netheris

Caius, upon seeing Robin pull out a real Dark Woods Bloodshade Fruit, immediately assumed they were the syndicate’s peak warriors.

Upon return, anyone who could obtain such treasures from the Dark Woods would surely be promoted to a priest or high priest.

Such a status would outrank the leaders of the Black Faith Order.

“You’ve likely not had a proper meal since leaving the forest. I prepared food and drinks at the castle. Please, it would be my honor.”

Robin glanced at the darkening sky and nodded. “Alright.”

It’d be a good chance to learn more about the Dark Syndicate.

They followed Caius and his son down the street, where a squad of guards on horseback was waiting.

“Lord Caius, Lord Alaric!” the captain called out respectfully, dismounting.

The armored guard eyed Robin and Daphne curiously. When his gaze lingered on Daphne, something strange was in his eyes.

“Masters, this is Evander Ravenscroft, the chief of security for Gyro Castle,” Caius introduced. “Mr. Ravenscroft, these two are from the Imperial Court. They’ve just returned from the Dark Woods.

“They happened to pass through Gyro City and ran into me by chance,” he continued. “I’ve invited them to the castle for a brief meeting. Make sure they’re well attended to–show no disrespect.”

Evander swept a cold, assessing gaze/over Robin and Daphne.

Seeing their tattered clothes and noticing how out of place they looked compared to the locals, suspicion crept into his voice. “From the Netheris Dark Syndicate?”

Robin and Daphne didn’t bother answering. They simply mounted a tiger–shaped beast and follo squad at high speed toward Gyro Castle.

the

These beasts ran like the wind–Robin estimated their speed to be nearly 200 miles an hour.

16:19 Fri, 23 May

Chapter 1347 Gyro Castle

In no time at all, they arrived at Gyro Castle.

Finished