Reborn As Noble

”Very well.” Javier’s smirk widened, eyes glinting with mischief.

The shadow unit moved as one, silent, swift, a ripple of black cloth and flickering mana.

The first shadow stepped forward, palm outstretched toward Javier.

”Netting Bind.”

A shimmering web of blue mana shot from his hand, weaving in midair. The net snapped forward, wrapping around Javier in a complex lattice of glowing restraints. Energy crackled and pulsed, tightening with every second.

Before Javier could react, two more shadows flickered into position behind him.

”Shadow Chain.”

Dark tendrils of mana snaked from their fingers, spiraling around Javier’s arms and legs, layering restraint over restraint.

Javier, locked in place, merely smiled and glanced up at them.

”Errr... you do know... you’re locking a... magic clone, right?”

His grin widened.

Poof.

A burst of gray smoke exploded where Javier had stood. The bindings collapsed inward, leaving only a cut log of lumber that clattered to the ground in his place.

From the rooftop above, Javier watched them with a smirk.

They’re really different from other assassin units. Alf truly assembled the best of the best.

Not just good at counter-intel and infiltration... but also sabotage, spy craft, psychological warfare, precision elimination, and all without leaving a trace.

Armand really is different.

And with my inventions... they’ve only gotten sharper. More precise. Deadlier.

Heh.. They just holding back because this is the only a test. If they got serious... I don’t think slipping away would be so easy.

Javier smirked, sidestepping and leaping just as a masked shadow unit materialized behind him.

”Not bad... not bad~” Javier landed softly, still grinning.

The shadow operative placed a fist over his chest and bowed slightly, a hint of pride in his controlled posture. ”Thank you, Your Highness. It is an honor to be recognized by you.”

”You’re all holding back, aren’t you?” Javier landed lightly and stood with both hands in his pockets.

”But still...I know just how strong you are. I can see your skill.” He met their gaze, calm and certain. ” Honestly, there’s no reason to continue this test. None of you are even using your tools, or your full potential. Just basic magic and maybe half your real speed.”

He turned, giving them a genuine smile as he looked over the assembled shadow unit in front of him.

”I take it you’re considered the ’new’ unit among the elites?”

”You could say that, Your Highness,” The masked man replied.

Javier reached into his dimensional storage, pulled out a clothes bag, and tossed it to the masked shadow.

The masked shadow caught it and bowed politely before opening the bag. Inside, there were specially crafted magic bracelets, one for each member present.

”Your Highness?” the shadow asked, puzzled.

”Ah... let’s just say I knew you were nearby when I led those spies into the base.” Javier’s tone was light, knowing. ”You were watching over me the whole time, weren’t you?”

He gestured toward the bracelets. ”These will shield you from heavy attacks, barrier enhancement, mana amplification, a few other perks. Consider it my thanks.”

The masked shadow hesitated, glancing at the others before speaking. ”Your Highness? Are you sure? These are... invaluable. We are not accustomed to gifts.”

Javier nodded calmly. ”Yes. You’re going to serve Armand in shadows and silence. If you’re protecting this kingdom, you deserve more than just orders.”

Another shadow stepped forward, bowing deeply. ”We are honored, Your Highness. We will wear these with pride, and use them well, to protect Armand and to carry out our duties without fail.”

He paused, his voice lowering slightly.

”And... when the day comes that you sit upon the throne... we will be there. Ready to serve. In shadow or in light, our loyalty is yours. Not just to the crown, but to the man who sees us.”

Javier’s smile softened, a rare, genuine warmth in his eyes.

”You are all free to go,” Javier said, offering a small nod.

”Thank you, Your Highness. If you’ll excuse us,” the masked shadow replied.

Javier stood with both hands behind his back as the shadow unit vanished in the blink of an eye.

He smiled, glancing up at the night sky.

I’m sure their leader is close by. Since Alf would never be far from Father’s side, im sure he sent the shadow leader to check on the progress huh?

Father really has thought of everything. Planning, preparing... doing whatever it takes to keep his family safe. Even though he knows I’m strong enough to handle missions like this on my own.

I could use my inventions to stop any spies, but that alone wouldn’t deter them. This step ensures they’ll think twice before trying anything.

”Cuquawked!!”

A sudden, familiar squawk echoed from below.

Javier looked down to see his huge orange Pekko staring up at him, feathers ruffled and eyes bright.

Damn this Pekko. He always knows where I am, even when I suppress my mana and hide. The only one who can find me, no matter what.

Another squawk. Buddy glanced up, mana already gathering in his talons.

”Oi! Don’t jump! I’m coming down!”

Javier sighed. Damn bird. This is exactly why I couldn’t bring him on counter-intel ops. If Buddy had shown up while I was undercover as Kay... the whole mission would’ve been blown.

He leaped from the rooftop, grinning as the wind whipped past.

Buddy sprang upward at the same moment. Javier landed smoothly on the giant bird’s back, and Buddy touched down gently, wings spread wide.

”Cuquawked!” Buddy shook out his feathers, clearly proud.

”Alright, alright. Did they give you the good meat tonight?”

”Cuquawked!”

Javier smiled, patting Buddy’s neck. ”Think it’s time to head home? It’s getting late.”

”Cuquawked!!!”

”Alright, alright... Let’s go home, then.”

While Buddy strutted smugly toward the base exit, Javier leaned back, lost in thought.

Well... mission’s done. Bernard has his new ”toys,” and he’ll squeeze every drop of intel out of them.

Liana, Gloria, and the others are probably waiting for me.

But it hasn’t even been a day. They’ll be fine... right?

”Buddy?”

”Cuquawked?”

Javier smiled. ”Let’s take our time and enjoy the night scenery. If we run into any monsters on the way...” His eyes gleamed with a spark of adventure. ”You know what to do.”

Buddy’s beak curved into something like a smirk. He gave a sharp nod and let out a triumphant squawk.

”Cuquawked!”

( End Of Chapter )