Shiva gently brushed off the arrow feathers on his hand, turned around, and looked at Arnold, saying, "After all, I'm a little curious too. Weren't you on an assassination mission at Patalliro? How did you come back so quickly?"
Arnold's smile froze for a moment, then he sighed and said, "The mission failed, so it ended early. A new group of temple knights arrived, and they are different from before. We didn't even have a chance to get close to the target, let alone carry out the assassination."
Shiva heard this and felt a tightness in his chest. He knew Arnold was an outstanding assassin, so if he thought the mission was difficult, it was definitely serious.
"What's special about those new Temple Knights?" Shiva asked.
Arnold fell silent for a moment, then chose his words carefully: "Not only are they highly skilled in combat, but it seems like they have some advance knowledge of our movements. We barely approached the target, and they immediately detected us, almost as if they were waiting for us. It makes me very uneasy, as if there's some force aiding them."
"That is indeed chilling," Shiva bit her lip, "It seems we need to plan our next move more carefully and perhaps uncover their source of intelligence."
Arnold nodded, his expression becoming more serious: "Indeed, things are becoming more and more complicated. We can no longer rely solely on courage and force as we did before."
Shiva felt a heavy atmosphere enveloping them, but he also understood that this was the reality they, as members of the Assassin Brotherhood, had to face. No matter what difficulties, they had to find a solution because too much depended on them, including the tablet they were protecting and the future of their entire organization.
Just as Shiva and Arnold were about to leave the shooting range, Kundalin suddenly walked over from the observation area. He clapped his hands lightly and showed a satisfied expression.
"Alright, apprentices, training ends here. Take a break for now, we'll continue later."
Maya and Kara quickly walked over to meet Shiva. As soon as they saw Arnold, Maya immediately showed a happy smile on her face, and Kara also nodded slightly, showing a satisfied expression.
"Wow, Arnold big brother, you're back!" Maya said excitedly.
Kara smiled and nodded. He didn't talk much, but the joy in his eyes was no less than Maya's.
Arnold laughed heartily, looking at them mischievously, and said, "Oh, you two little rascals, you're already eighteen, but why do you still look so immature? Still full of youthful energy, without a hint of maturity!"
Maya and Kara exchanged a glance, then simultaneously quipped, "May we ask, who among us is in greater need of maturity than Arnold, this middle-aged uncle?"
Upon hearing this, Arnold burst into laughter, but did not retort. He simply shook his head, seemingly enjoying this friendly banter.
Arnold, Maya, and Kara stood on one side, chatting and joking about Arnold's various adventures in Patalliro. Arnold used his unique exaggerated tone to describe the local customs and even imitated some interesting characters he had encountered, making Maya and Kara burst into laughter.
With a big smile on his face, Arnold imitated a vendor at the Patalliro market, using exaggerated accents and body language to make Maya and Kara laugh heartily. "This vendor told me that the spices he sells are directly imported from a distant eastern kingdom and can cure all kinds of illnesses!" After saying this, he couldn't help but laugh himself.
At the same time, Kundalin quietly gestured to Shiva to come over. Shiva then walked to the edge of the training ground with the mentor, casting his gaze on the other assassin apprentices practicing. Their movements were uniform, and each attack was filled with strength and precision.
Maya turned to look at the backs of Shiva and Kundalin together, feeling somewhat curious but not daring to ask more. Kara observed the two with a more composed look in her eyes, seemingly contemplating something.
The two stood side by side at the edge of the training ground, their gaze fixed on the busy assassin apprentices practicing various skills. These young figures were imitating various high-level assassin movements: some were practicing climbing, some were imitating assassination techniques, and others were practicing swordsmanship.
"Look at them, Shiva, these apprentices are the hope of the future Assassin Brotherhood," Kundalin said solemnly.
Shiva nodded, "They are all very hardworking, mentor."
Kundalin smiled slightly and then pointed to a young apprentice practicing swordsmanship, "Look at him, his swordsmanship foundation is very good, but his attacks still lack a certain decisiveness. In actual combat, this kind of hesitation could cost him dearly."
Shiva carefully observed and found that Kundalin was right. The apprentice indeed seemed hesitant every time he swung his sword, as if he was still considering whether to do so before attacking.
Then Kundalin pointed to another apprentice who was practicing climbing, "And that one, his climbing skills still need improvement. His movements are too heavy, easily drawing attention from enemies. A successful assassin should be like the wind, light and silent."
Shiva nodded in agreement, "I understand, these are all very subtle but crucial points."
Kundalin glanced at Shiva, "That's exactly why we need more outstanding assassins like you. Not only skilled in technique, but also capable of teaching the next generation, passing down our knowledge and wisdom."
Shiva deeply moved, "I will remember, Master."
Then Kundalin slowly said, "Shiva, you are not young anymore, eighteen to nineteen, and among these apprentices, your assassin skills and temperament are the most stable."
Shiva listened, feeling a bit nervous, as he sensed that his mentor's words seemed to carry more important information about to be conveyed.
Kundalin continued, "After discussions among the elders, we have decided to assign you an assassination mission. This will be your litmus test. If you can successfully complete this mission, then you will officially become a member of our Assassin Brotherhood."
Shiva took a deep breath, his muscles tensing all over. He knew this was a huge responsibility and a turning point that could potentially affect the rest of his life.
"I understand, mentor. I will do my best and not disappoint anyone."
Kundalin nodded, his eyes showing satisfaction and anticipation: "Very well, get ready. You will receive detailed information about the mission. For now, you can enjoy this brief rest time with your companions."
Shiva bowed deeply to Kundalin and then turned to walk back to Arnold, Maya, and Kara. He knew that from now on, every step must be more cautious, as he was walking the path to becoming a true assassin.
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