Classless Ascension

In one of the League of Assassins lairs, two youngsters were facing a door with an eight-digit code. 

"So, what's the code here?" Josh inquired. 

"Normally, this would only be explained to you after you officially joined, but at this rate, you're guaranteed to be accepted. Just assassinating one guy from an A-ranked guild is enough, needless to say 2." The lady in blue explained. 

She slowly walked toward the door. 

"What does this look like to you?" She asked. 

"A door?" What kind of answer was she expecting? 

"Nope. This artifact senses the killer's aura surrounding one's body. It's a disposition that only assassins will ever develop. As for the code, it's just a decoy to sound the alarm. Never touch it." 

Josh couldn't help but be glad that he had decided to take a nap. Otherwise, he would have long been attacked. 

But he couldn't help but feel perplexed at this killer's aura concept. Wasn't this killing intent? Why was it that he had never met anyone who knew how to use it properly? Was it because he had somehow only stumbled upon the trashiest of low-lives? 

"Actually, why don't you try it?" She offered. 

"Nope, I'll let you do it so that I can observe." Josh denied instantly. 

She could only smile wryly. She wasn't sure if he lacked confidence or was just humble, but she proceeded with a demonstration. As soon as she touched the door, it instantly opened. 

But Josh couldn't help but internally scream: "Trash, trash, fucking trash!" Comparing this killer's aura to his killing intent was akin to comparing a shitty muddy pond to a tumultuous vast ocean. 

Still, there was something he had been wondering. "Say, what's that energy that you used before? The first time we met, I mean." 

"So you did sense it?!" she seemed to hesitate a few seconds before finally deciding to tell him. After all, this guy would probably have a bright future in the League. "It's spiritual sense. I've always been able to use it. It's a bit hard to explain…." 

"Gotcha. You'll have to teach me soon." Josh happily nodded.

She nodded shyly before leading the way. As they passed near other assassins, they would notice the lady in blue and politely greet her. She was used to it but hoped it wouldn't bother her companion too much. 

But that's when the same assassin saw him. Instantly they seemed to become hyperactive as they didn't know what to do with their legs and arms. Many immediately bowed so deeply that they could have licked his shoes. 

The lady in blue could only stare wide-eyed. What the fuck was happening?! She was the daughter of an elder, and even she didn't remotely get such a treatment. Why where they all acting like that all of a sudden?! 

"Have you met them before?" She asked, perplexed. 

"Pretty sure I haven't." Josh denied, confused. 

Josh pointed at a random assassin: "You, come here." He instructed as the man trotted over excitedly, not showing any sign of displeasure. No, he was even eager?! 

"Yes, elder. What can I do for you, elder?!" He bowed deeply once more. 

The lady in blue couldn't help but be flabbergasted. What the hell was this about?! Elder?! This wasn't a title that one would casually throw around. It represented the strongest and most esteemed assassins there were! Why?! 

"Do we know each other?" Josh asked, confused. He wasn't supposed to have any reputation here. Surely killing two guys shouldn't be that big of a deal, right? 

"I saw you slumber at the entrance, elder!— Eh, I mean, I saw you diligently guarding the entrance to our lair!" He instantly corrected himself, hoping that the esteemed man wouldn't take offense. 

"Oh, I see. However, I'm no elder. I'm just a Newcomer, just like her." Josh pointed at his blue-robed friend. 

But, in their eyes, this was only a confirmation of his identity. He was probably an elder from another branch. How else would the daughter of one of their own elder guide him personally?! Plus, it was impossible to make a killer's aura that was so pure! 

"I understand, Eld— friend. I understand perfectly! Just call for me if you need anything, and I really mean anything!" The young man happily played along. If the elder wanted to remain incognito, then it was fine by him! 

On their way, they met many other assassins, and all of them would have the same exact reaction before praising how well he had been guarding the branch! Josh felt quite at a loss. Had they all banded together to play a prank on him? This had to be the case!

But it became ever more exaggerated as they began to offer him free stuff: 

"Elder, would you like some refreshments or delicious snacks?" 

"Hell yeah, bring plenty." Josh didn't even hesitate and took advantage of them. 

His companion reminded him to be careful of poison the first few times, but he quickly disregarded her. He had 99 problems, but some poison wasn't one! It just added flavor! 

Nearby, a few assassins were preparing various dishes in a communal kitchen. It was the first time in a while that they would use it. After all, only a dumbass would eat anything that had come remotely near this place. 

Any ingredients would inevitably get contaminated by poison either voluntarily or involuntarily. That's how it had slowly become a challenge. Offering food to visiting elders meant a challenge: their ability to poison versus his ability not to die! 

Because it was incredibly dumb to accept, it seldom happened. Because of that, they were all super hyped. Not only did they work to the best of their abilities on the killing potency, but they also made sure that the taste was perfect. 

There was such a spread that the first service included all of this: 

- Pasta

- Crepe

- Hot dogs 

- Fried Chicken 

- Mac and cheese 

- Cheesecake

- Nachos

- Sushi 

Oh, and every single dish was poisoned! But, who the fuck cared? Not him! Everything was so daman delicious! 

On the side, there were guys and girls alike standing with diverse beverages, ready to fulfill his every whim. He was getting the royal treatment! How lucky was he! 

"Yep, this is the best! You guys did a good job!" He happily praised. 

But, the more he praised, and the more shellshocked they became. How could he eat so much, and why wasn't he chugging antidotes like crazy?! Was he about to suddenly kick the bucket? They wouldn't get blamed, right?! 

But their worries were unfounded as Josh was perfectly healthy. It reached a point where they began murmuring between themselves. 

"Could he possess the legendary poison body?"

"That's the only way he can eat so much of this stuff without dying."

"Hell, how does he even eat so much, even disregarding the poison? How many stomachs does he have?!" 

At that moment, nothing and no one could ever convince them that he was a newcomer. It was the same for the lady in blue. She couldn't help but be taken aback. Had he joined the test undercover to examine them? 

No wonder anyone attacking him had ended up dead! Even if he was helping, a proud elder would never let chumps abuse him! 

But as Josh was still eating, an assassin ran toward the group while screaming excitedly. "The Matriarch is done with her training session. Elder, she's coming to see you for sure!" 

Eh…sure? Except he wasn't an elder...

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[A/N] You all ready? It's fucking mass release time! ☠ 7/8 !! 🔥