CHAPTER 32: NEW JOB

Just kidding. I also want to buy something that could improve my attack and defense—or maybe agility too." Ash put the armor down.

Ash had sweat dropping a chill swept through him. For a moment, it felt like his head was being chopped off. His instincts screamed danger, sharp and undeniable.

But as he put the armour down the feeling had vanished. He turned around looking towards the window then with a deep breath "We will talk tomorrow".

Ash left the room without any word. His instinct were right, there was someone watching and he saw Jessie’s gesture which proved it was someone of her knowing.

Whoever it was he didn’t want to know. If he could make him fear, make his instinct go wild then he better not know him.

Ash went back to his room and slept through the night waiting for the new day.

-----

"I told you he is trustworthy, he will be great talent in future". Jessie said to the man standing in front of him. He had broad physique and white hairs, even his beard was white.

"Haha you are just innocent, how can you trust and Assassin, you did saw his reaction. He noticed me just from my emotions." The man said in patting her on head.

"He could have tried to kill me in the dungeon if he had to" Jessie pouted.

"I don’t know about that, we can give him a try. Bring him to join government I will make arrangements" The man paused his reaction changing to serious "I don’t care how much you trust him, don’t ever put your guard down and never take off that armour" with that he gave a hug and left.

Jessie just kept nodding before realising that he was gone.

------

Ash woke with a heaviness in his chest. If just one glance can push me on edge, then I’m still weak... pathetically weak.

He washed his face, strapped his dagger, and walked out. Jessie was waiting in the corridor, looking calmer than usual.

"You’re early," she said.

"I didn’t sleep much." he muttered. "Let’s see what your ’government order’ looks like."

The capital’s Recruitment Hall was nothing like he expected. No banners, no heroic slogans. Just a fortress of grey stone, guarded by armored men with weapons that glowed faintly. Lines of nervous applicants stretched outside, most clutching cheap swords or dented shields.

Mostly joining the government was last option for everyone unless someone is enthusiastic to join.

Jessie looked around but then joined in the line. Though joining goverment was last option in these days but government didn’t need such people who will run if they gets better opportunity. So it was quite hard to establish oneself in order.

Goverment had increased salary and opportunities to attract audience and compete with other guilds.

Ash and Jessie got the opportunity, a man in black uniform stood waiting. His hair was slicked back, his eyes sharp as a hawk’s. Seeing Ash and Jessie his eyes flickered with familiarity.

"You’re late," he said, voice cold. "Names?"

"Jessie Kael. This is Ash."

The man’s gaze lingered on Ash, scanning him like he was peeling layers away. He wanted to know what was different in this guy so that man recommend him.

Ash felt the same sharp tension in his chest. Not as suffocating as last night... but dangerous.

"Fine," the officer said. "Follow me. You’ll undergo screening."

The training yard behind the hall was alive with noise. Recruits sparred, arrows flew, sparks from mana collided in the air.

The officer barked, "First—Combat Evaluation. Show what you can do. Don’t die."

A broad-shouldered man stepped forward, grinning. "Another fresh rat? I’ll test him."

Ash sighed. Perfect.

The duel started. The man charged with heavy swings, clearly trying to intimidate. Ash moved lightly, dodging each strike without drawing his dagger.

He can see this man was just trying to intimidate and none of his strikes were lethal.

"You are different kid" he said getting serious. Most of the kids runs away intimidated by him. He was Level 19 so it was natural for them to feel threatened just by his lackluster attempts.

But when the man overextended, Ash flicked his wrist, tapping his opponent’s chest with the hilt. He had ignored the man’s attack because it wasn’t life threatening but his dagger flashed slicng across the neck.

The man staggered, stunned. This kid, he was to bold. Taking the damage in exchange of killing blow.

"Not bad, I like it" The man said winking. It was just a test so both of them had stopped at the last moment so no one got injured.

The officer’s eyes narrowed. "Precise... too precise."

"Beginner’s luck," Ash said laughed.

The officer didn’t look convinced, but waved it off. "Enough. Next—Psych Evaluation."

They were brought into a small room. A table. Two chairs. A strange orb glowing faintly in the center.

"Put your hand on it," the officer ordered. "It reacts to killing intent, deception, loyalty. We don’t need perfect soldiers, but we don’t take traitors."

Ash sat, placing his palm on the orb. Cold energy seeped into his skin. His heartbeat slowed. His past—blood, corpses, shadows—flashed behind his eyes.

The orb glowed dark red.

The officer’s eyes sharpened instantly. "You’ve killed before."

Ash smirked. "Is that a problem?"

For a moment, silence.

"What do you think of government" officer asked noticing the orb.

The orb turned white shocking the officer.

"No opinion, neither positive not negative" he muttered.

Then the officer gave a faint smile. "You’ll be just fine."

Hours later, Ash and Jessie stepped out of the hall with new Dress—small black tags marked with the government crest.

The government uniform was the same for all—black tunic lined with rune-stitching, fitted steel plates on chest and arms, and a half-cloak pinned with the silver crest. Only the shoulder insignia marked rank, turning a simple combat clothing into a symbol of authority. It was flexible enough so they can wear the armour on.

"Recruit," Jessie said, holding her badge up.

They were introduced by government’s working, the jobs that they may need to do.

Ranks were explained and the importance and orders.

Ranks were staring with Recruits then officer and after that comes captain and so on.

Ash studied his own badge. It felt heavier than metal should. Not because of weight... but because of what it meant.

He slipped the tag into his pocket. "This is just the beginning."

They had already got their first job. It was to escort someone for the trial in court. Jessie had a paper in her hands that he needs to show prison officer and he will get the authority to take the prisoner.

His luck stat was sending signals, it was enough for him to realise who it was that they needed to escort.