It was well known that during wars, assassins were mainly used to assassinate important and powerful figures.
They were not to be used like soldiers or normal warriors who charged valiantly to the enemy.
And this was truly the proper way to use assassins. Assassins were meant to be trump cards, not expendable warriors.
They were just like snipers. Being an elite sniper had so much value, and being an elite assassin also had so much value.
The Velaris and the assassins of the Shadowgrave Clan were elite assassins, the best of the best, this was undisputable.
But the Shadowgrave Clan wanted to reduce the traditional weakness of assassins. They wanted to retain the strengths of assassins while removing or reducing the traditional weaknesses.
In a situation where assassins had no choice but to battle the enemy on the war front. In a situation where the terrain and environment was not favourable to them.
Were they to complain?
Were they to run for their lives?
No
They would adapt and be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Whether it was night or day, they would bring terror to their enemies and targets.
This was why the Shadowgrave Clan was said to have the best assassins.
’Interesting.’ Simon thought with a light smile behind his mask.
Instructor Valdin continued.
"The second course is called Cognitive Warfare and Deception."
"Under this course, you’ll be taught how to resist interrogation, lie without giving any physical signs, and acting under false identities."
"The third course is called Emotional Suppression."
"Under this course, you’ll basically learn how to control your emotions. An assassin must always learn how to control your emotions at every point in time."
"You’ll learn how to kill without rage, how to kill without hesitation, how to not crumble under fear, and how to be calm even in the worst scenario."
"You might not know, but this course is not an easy course to pass. Very few successfully pass, and only a select few are able to excel in this course."
"Fortunately for you guys, this course is not compulsory."
Instructor Valdin went silent for a moment before he continued speaking.
"The fourth and final course is called Mental Partitioning."
"You’ll learn how to run mental simulations, how to divide your attention, and also basic mental techniques to resist and protect yourself from mental attacks."
"And just like the Body Pillar, you have a compulsory course which is Tactical Pattern Recognition. To successfully graduate, you need to pass at least two courses of the Mind Pillar."
Those who were listening furrowed their brows in contemplation. Some were thinking of what classes to attend and focus on since they only needed two courses to graduate, while some were thinking of the courses that would be more beneficial to them.
As for Simon, he already knew what classes he planned on attending ever since he went through the academy’s rules and regulations.
’Aside from Tactical Pattern Recognition which is compulsory, I only plan on attending the Mental Partitioning class. Learning mental defensive techniques is going to be really helpful for me.’
’I don’t need to attend classes on Cognitive Warfare and Deception, or Emotional Suppression.’
’My decades of experience is going to be enough to pass these courses. Though, I can attend once in a while if I feel like or have the time.’
Simon thought with a slight flicker in his eyes, then Instructor Valdin continued his words.
"The next pillar is called the Shadow Pillar, and I’m very sure you all have some ideas about what this pillar is about and it’s a pillar many students usually choose to attend."
"What I can tell you is that this pillar does not only encompass shadow energy and demonic energy, it also encompasses chaos runes, formation, and arrays."
"There are only three courses under the Shadow Pillar."
"The first is simply called Chaos Runes. In this course, you’ll learn how to read, understand, and draw chaos runes. You’ll be taught ancient demonic scripts, and how to draw quick combat runes."
"The second course is called Formation and Array Application. You’ll be taught how to draw formations and arrays. That’s just it."
"And the last course is called Energy Control."
"In this course, you’ll learn how to control your output of demonic energy, we’ll teach you how to be more efficient in the usage of your demonic energy."
"We’ll also teach you how to mask your aura and presence. And for those who have shadow affinity, you’ll be taught specially in shadow techniques and shadow energy."
"No course is compulsory, but you’ll need to pass at least two courses to graduate."
’I’ll need to do all three courses. I need them.’ Simon’s eyes flashed as he pondered on the three courses.
His knowledge on chaos runes, formation, and arrays was very poor. He needed to deepen his knowledge on them.
Also, learning how to utilize his shadow affinity and control shadow energy would be extremely beneficial for him.
’It’s be nice if I could find an Instructor for the wind and fire element... Considering the windy environment of the clan, it wouldn’t be so surprising if there are clan members with a wind affinity.’
After Simon had this thought, Instructor Valdin stood before a classroom and stopped.
The others stopped and glanced at the door with slightly curious expressions.
Instructor Valdin silently looked at his students, and after a pressuring six seconds, he finally spoke.
"We’ve spoken about the Body Pillar, Mind Pillar, and the Shadow Pillar. The last Pillar is called The World Pillar."
Instructor Valdin paused for a few seconds, looking at his students.
"The World Pillar has five courses... They are Politics, Economy, Environmental Warfare, Herbs, Poison, and Medicine, and lastly... Social Infiltration."
"I’m sure I don’t need to explain what any of these five mean, and if you don’t know, you’ll find out eventually."
"The only compulsory course is Politics. You must pass Politics to graduate, and you only need to pass three courses under the World Pillar."
"That is it for all the four Pillars."