CHAPTER 121: ATTACK AT THE ACADEMY!

The moment Rin’s door closed behind him, Sasha turned on his heel and made his way to Lirien’s office, his steps quick and purposeful.

He knocked once before entering, finding Lirien seated behind her desk, her pipe in hand as always, crimson smoke curling lazily in the air. Her red lips curved into a sly smile as she spotted him.

"Well? What is it this time?"

Sasha leaned against the desk, arms crossed, his expression heavy with concern. "What is Rin’s relationship with the Crown Prince?"

Lirien chuckled, tapping her pipe against the ashtray. "Relationship? With the prince? I have no idea. Have you forgotten that boy does whatever he pleases? He’s unpredictable."

"That’s the problem," Sasha pressed, his brows furrowed. "I’m scared... if he uses his power as the Crown Prince, he could force Rin into his harem."

At that, Lirien laughed aloud, the sound low and amused. "Force Rin? Oh, Sasha, you worry too much. No one can defeat Rin. Not even the Crown Prince. He’s stronger than I am. Everything he does, every step... he has a reason. Don’t doubt him."

Sasha lowered his gaze, lips pressed thin. He wanted to believe her words, but worry still gnawed at him. "I know he’s strong, but the prince isn’t just anyone. He’s got power, influence, and... an obsession. He must be annoyed that he didn’t see Rin when he came here today."

Lirien’s smile faded slightly, her crimson eyes narrowing as she puffed her pipe. "You’re not wrong. Caspian’s dangerous in his own way. But Rin’s not some helpless omega. He’s got plans, Sasha. Plans even I don’t fully understand. Trust him."

Sasha nodded slowly, but his jaw remained tight. "I do trust him. I just... don’t want him to get hurt."

Lirien’s expression softened, her voice gentler. "You care about him a lot, don’t you?"

Sasha’s cheeks reddened slightly, and he looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "He’s... important. To all of us."

Lirien smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Before Sasha could respond, a knock sounded at the door. A member of the Crow Team slipped in, bowing respectfully. "Madam, Sir Sasha. The stranger we saved has woken up."

Lirien flicked her wrist, dismissive. "Good. Sasha, deal with him. Get him out of here before he causes trouble."

"Yes, Madam," Sasha said, bowing before leaving with the Crow Team member.

.

They crossed the brothel and entered the smaller district reserved for the assassins, a quieter, darker part of the compound.

The air was heavier here, thick with the scent of oil, steel, and faint traces of blood. In one of the side rooms, a man sat shirtless on a cot, thick bandages wrapped around his chest, his face pale but alert.

Sasha stepped in, arms folded, his expression guarded. "How’s the wound?"

The man looked up, a faint smile on his lips. "Better. Thank you. How can I repay you?"

Sasha shook his head curtly. "You can’t. We don’t need repayment. If you’re fine enough to stand, then leave. This isn’t a place for someone like you."

The man nodded and rose slowly, wincing slightly as he moved. As Sasha walked past him, a single word left his lips, barely audible.

"Rin."

Sasha froze, his body tensing instantly.

The assassins in the room reacted in a heartbeat, weapons drawn... blades, spears, arrows, daggers... all aimed at the man’s throat.

He raised his hands in surrender, sweat forming on his brow, his eyes wide with panic.

Sasha turned sharply, his eyes narrowing, voice low and dangerous. "How do you know that name? Who the hell are you?"

The man swallowed, his voice trembling but steady. "I... I smelled it. His scent. I would never mistake it."

Sasha’s blood ran cold. He stepped closer, his tone hard. "Answer me properly."

The man exhaled, his shoulders slumping. "My name is Theron Daril. I was the head doctor of the Academy. When it was attacked, I ran. That’s how I was injured."

Sasha didn’t flinch, his voice cold. "I don’t care about your past. What I care about is why you know Rin."

"He worked at the academy clinic with me," Theron said, his eyes softening, a flicker of desperation flashing in them. "I need to see him. Please. Before I leave."

"No." Sasha’s reply was sharp, cutting through the air. "He doesn’t want to see you. Leave."

He turned to walk away, but Theron’s next words stopped him cold.

"If I don’t see him, his life will be in danger."

Sasha clenched his fists, his heart pounding. Slowly, he turned back, his eyes burning. "...Explain."

Theron shook his head, his voice firm despite his trembling hands. "I’ll explain it to him directly. Please. Take me to him."

Sasha hesitated, his instincts screaming to protect Rin at all costs. But the conviction in Theron’s tone, the fear in his eyes, gnawed at him. Finally, he exhaled sharply, his voice low. "Follow me. But if you try anything, you’re dead."

Theron nodded quickly, his hands still raised as the assassins lowered their weapons but kept their eyes locked on him.

.

Inside Rin’s room, the atmosphere was far more relaxed... at least until the knock came. Rin lay on the floor, sprawled out like a starfish, while Kiro sat on his back, massaging his shoulders with rough, teasing presses.

The room smelled faintly of incense, the dim light casting soft shadows on the walls.

"You call this a date?" Kiro teased, his grin wicked. "You two were supposed to spend the night outside. Maybe in an expensive inn, get a room..." He waggled his eyebrows. "Hold on, did you two kiss?"

"Shut up." Rin shoved Kiro’s hand off his shoulder, rolling over and sitting up with an annoyed glare. "It wasn’t a date. We just watched a show."

Kiro smirked knowingly, leaning closer. "A show? Is that why you’re blushing?"

"I’ll kill you." Rin shoved his face away, fixing his wrinkled shirt with a huff.

Before Kiro could tease him further, a knock sounded at the door. Kiro hopped up to open it, revealing Sasha... and behind him, a familiar face. Rin’s crimson eyes widened, his body tensing.

"Theron?"

Theron’s face lit up with relief, his pale features softening. He shoved Kiro aside and rushed forward, wrapping Rin in a tight hug.

"Rin!"

Rin’s body went stiff, his arms pinned awkwardly at his sides. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Theron held him tighter, his voice cracking with emotion. "Thank the goddess you’re safe..."

Rin shoved him back, his voice sharp. "Answer me, Theron. Why are you here?"

Theron grunted, clutching his chest as fresh blood seeped through his bandages, the sharp scent hitting Rin’s nose instantly. Rin’s brows furrowed, his eyes flicking to the stain. "You’re hurt. Sit down."

Theron obeyed, sinking onto a chair, his face pale but determined. His voice was grim.

"The Academy... was attacked."

Rin’s eyes narrowed, his body going still. "Attacked? By who?"

"Demons," Theron said heavily, his voice trembling. "Not just one or two demons. Over three hundred. They tore through the town and the Academy alike."

Rin froze, his mind racing. Madame Boutique. The townspeople. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. "What?"

"And that’s not all," Theron continued, his eyes locking onto Rin’s with a mix of fear and urgency. "They were led by a powerful demon. Stronger than anything I’ve ever seen. And that demon..."

Rin tilted his head slightly, his voice flat but tense. "What about him?"

Theron exhaled shakily, pointing a trembling finger straight at Rin. "He was looking for you."

The room fell silent.