System in Assassin's Creed

[Current Balance: 149,470,602 scudi, 90 baiocchi

---In Bristol---

Deep beneath the Kenway Mansion, in the the hidden underground cave converted into a training ground, the ring of steel echoed off the stone walls. Thulani was now faceing off against the Kenway brothers, Bernard and Leonard.

Thulani, wielding his massive greatsword with surprising grace for a man his size, easily deflected a coordinated thrust from Bernard's standard sword and Leonard's shorter blade. At six-foot-five, he was towering over the two older men while his movements were powerful yet controlled.

"Ready?" Thulani asked calmly as his deep voice resonated in the cavern.

Bernard grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "Ready as we'll ever be against you, lad!"

Leonard merely nodded while his expression was serious, and his eyes fixed on Thulani.

They circled each other warily. Bernard, ever the more aggressive, lunged first, aiming a feint high before trying to slash low.

Thulani simply shifted his weight, letting the blade pass harmlessly, while simultaneously using the flat of his greatsword to parry Leonard's quick, opportunistic stab aimed at his flank.

The force of the parry sent a jolt up Leonard's arm, forcing him back a step.

Thulani flowed between them, never truly on the defensive. His greatsword was a wall, intercepting their attacks, but he rarely pressed an advantage that would end the spar too quickly.

He remembered Alaric's instructions… train them, test them, push them, but don't break them. And despite his youth, only twenty-one compared to their near forty, he held a deep respect for Alaric's father and uncle.

Bernard tried a series of quick slashes, relying on speed, while Leonard looked for an opening. Thulani met Bernard's flurry with controlled blocks, his larger blade creating an impenetrable barrier.

When Leonard lunged, Thulani sidestepped abd brought the pommel of his greatsword down lightly on Leonard's wrist causing him to hiss and drop his weapon, then swept Bernard's feet out from under him with the flat of the blade in one smooth motion.

Both brothers lay on the dusty ground, panting. Thulani lowered his sword, the tip resting on the stone floor. He offered a respectful nod. "Your coordination improves, Masters Kenway. But your defense still leaves openings."

He sheathed the greatsword across his back and extended a large hand, first pulling Leonard, then Bernard, back to their feet.

Just then, Jonathan appeared from the tunnel entrance, carrying fresh tunics over one arm and towels over the other. "Excellent sparring, Masters," he said politely, bowing his head slightly. "Master Bernard, Master Leonard... your clothes."

Bernard gratefully took a towel, wiping his face and neck. "Ah, thank you, Jonathan. Good timing, as always."

Leonard nodded his thanks, accepting his tunic. He looked at Jonathan, his expression serious as ever. "Did Alaric ever send any letters? His mother grows worried."

Jonathan shook his head, his gaze sympathetic as he gathered their discarded, sweat-soaked training clothes. "Unfortunately, there are none, Master Leonard." He offered a reassuring smile. "But not to worry. Master Alaric is perhaps the strongest individual I have ever come across in these parts of the world."

Bernard chuckled, pulling the fresh tunic over his head. "So there are people in other parts of the world that can beat that kid, eh?".

Thulani, who had been quietly observing, chuckled deeply.

"Nah," he said confidently. "Nothing can kill him. I've seen his abilities..."

Jonathan shot Thulani a quick, warning look, subtly shaking his head. Thulani caught the glance and chuckled again, realizing he might have hinted at too much. Bernard and Leonard exchanged confused glances, sensing an inside joke or a hidden meaning they weren't privy to.

"Anyways," Jonathan smoothly changed the subject, turning towards the exit. "I have brewed some Celestial Tea, if you would care for some refreshment?"

---

---In Rome---

Stepping out of the hired carriage, Alaric stretched his limbs, feeling the kinks from the journey work themselves out.

They had finally arrived at the base of the Capitoline Hill, the imposing facade of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli rising above them, silhouetted against the night sky.

The journey from the port of Civitavecchia had taken two days, punctuated by necessary stops at roadside inns for rest, food, and Flavia's frequent calls for "bathroom issues," as Alaric mentally termed them.

[-4 scudi, 50 baiocchi.]

[Current Balance: 149,470,598 scudi, 40 baiocchi

Alaric whistled softly, looking up the long flight of stairs leading to the Basilica.

Even in the dim light, the grandeur was apparent. Numerous statues, mostly depicting angels, could be seen, flanking a large central statue of a man on horseback, Marcus Aurelius, though Alaric didn't know who that guy was.

Flavia came to stand beside him, pulling her cloak tighter against the chilly night. Reuben, looking slightly less rumpled than usual thanks to his thick clothes, joined them.

"Well," Flavia observed, looking up at the massive, dark doors of the Basilica, "it is almost midnight. The Basilica is closed."

She looked at Alaric expectantly. "In the morning, perhaps?"

Alaric glanced at Flavia, then at Reuben, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He shook his head and started walking towards the stairs. "No, this is perfect."

"Perfect?" Reuben questioned, exchanging a confused look with Flavia.

"Follow me," Alaric called back, already ascending the steps.

The piazza at the top of the stairs was deserted, so there were no one stopping them. As they neared the Basilica's entrance, Flavia voiced the suspicion that had likely been growing in both her and Reuben's minds.

"You are not truly here to worship, are you, Alaric?" she asked, her tone neutral but her eyes sharp.

Alaric didn't stop walking, continuing towards the enormous wooden doors. "What makes you say that?"

"I can feel it," Flavia stated simply. "A sense... that your purpose here is not devout."

Alaric reached the doors. He stopped, turning slightly.

"Of course you can feel it," he said, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet piazza. He then delivered a swift, powerful kick to the center of the doors where they met.

*BOOM!*

Wood splintered, ancient locks groaned and snapped, and the heavy doors boomed open a few inches. "...You're an Assassino, after all."

(🤌)

Flavia's eyes widened, her hand instinctively dropping towards the hidden blade Alaric knew was strapped to her forearm. She stared at Alaric, then at the broken doors, clearly shocked by both the casual revelation of her identity and the sheer force of his kick.

"H-How...?" she stammered.

Alaric finally stopped fully and exchanged an amused glance with Reuben. Both men chuckled softly, which only seemed to confuse Flavia further.

Reuben stepped forward slightly, a wry smile on his face. "It is rather obvious, Flavia..."

"...The way you dress and all... the hidden blade isn't quite as hidden as you might think."

Flavia frowned, looking down at her attire as if seeing it for the first time. "Then... are you also an Assassino?" she asked Reuben directly.

"No," Reuben replied easily. "Why do you ask?"

Flavia tilted her head, a spark of mischief returning to her eyes despite the situation. "Well," she countered, gesturing vaguely at Reuben's simple red polo and black pants, "the way you're dressed and all."

Reuben raised his eyebrows at the jab, surprised into a chuckle. "Fair point."

They continued following Alaric, who pushed the damaged doors open wider and stepped into the vast, echoing darkness of the Basilica's interior.

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