I’ve always wanted to say sothing badass like that. Now I get why so many heroes throw out a line or two before a fight — it just feels right.
’Shadow Manipulation’
I switched from wielding two daggers to just one. F. Castle was far more skilled with a single blade, which made sense. I doubt the military ever trained anyone to dual wield.
To make up for my short range, I expanded it. Now it was half the size of
"So, yours is a creation-type ability, huh," the figure murmured. "You really covered your tracks well. Our informants only reported you as a D-rank—an enhanced-physical type."
I gave my new weapon a few swings. It flowed with perfectly, like an extension of my body.
"What can I say? I prefer to stay under the radar," I replied, raising my dagger and steadying my wrist for better control. It was a standard military stance.
’Resonance’
’Qi Breathing’
My awareness of the environnt sharpened, and my vision — already keen in the dark beca even clearer. My ears picked up the faintest sounds, and there it was: Ellie’s footsteps behind .
She slipped back into the restaurant, joining the others in hiding.
There was no way I could protect everyone right now, so I instructed her to get away from in secret. Fortunately, it seed I was the primary target.
"You... your whole deanor has changed," the figure said, becoming more guarded.
"Sure, because everyone would totally act normal if an assassin with a katana that long was after them."
"But you still talk too much!" He clicked his tongue in annoyance and launched himself at .
SWOOOOSH!
No ti to breathe—his katana ca for , a silver flash aiming to split in half.
I didn’t trust my dagger to take that hit, so I jumped back. The blade tore through the spot I just been standing, carving a clean line across the floor.
Before I could even blink, his blade flashed again. I raised my dagger across my chest—steel t steel with a thunderous crack, and the shockwave launched through the air.
Ten steps—that’s how far I’d been pushed back. My hands trembled, and for a mont I wondered if a speeding motorcycle hit .
If not for my shadow weapon absorbing most of the impact, I’d have been sent flying off the balcony.
So this was what a real life-and-death situation felt like.
Unlike the simulation, there were no retries here. One slip, and I was done. My blood ran hot, adrenaline surging through my veins.
’I need to focus.’
Whoever he was, he wasn’t so run-of-the-mill assassin. That speed alone proved he wasn’t human.
A seeker. Probably B-rank... maybe even A.
SWOOOOSH!
He went for another attack. I maintained my composure and took a deep breath, using my Qi to heighten my senses.
"Now."
I twisted at the last possible second. Pain shot up my shoulder as his blade grazed , but the motion opened a narrow gap.
I lunged with my dagger toward his abdon—only for it to clang against tal.
’Tch—armor under your clothes? Real fair, asshole.’
I hurriedly leapt back, barely dodging his counter, but it only bought m a few seconds. He was already on again, using his reach advantage to keep in check.
clang!
clang!
clang!
Soon, I was locked in high speed close combat with him. His swings ca faster and faster, pushing my reactions to the limit.
My dagger took repeated hits, denting and nearly breaking, forcing to repair it constantly in the midst of the fight.
However, I was dealing with more than the threat before .
I could feel it—the Qi that had been stagnant until now was boiling up. On any other day, I would be elated in this breakthrough, but now I had to hold it back.
’Shadow Veil.’
My form warped, shadows swelling around , twisting my outline just enough to throw him off. His blade passed through my shoulder too easily.
That split-second of surprise was all I needed .I struck, a kick to the gut while the shadows misled his eyes.
"My turn!"
My dagger rattled in my grip and my muscles burned, every strike fueled by excess Qi. It was a dangerous strategy that could backfire at any mont.
clang!
clang!
clang!
Each strike landed in quick succession. He tried to block with his katana and defensive skill, but my relentless barrage broke through.
Blood splattered across the ground — his blood, to be exact.
He kicked off the ground, flipping backward to create space. I rushed in to press the attack, but his next strike was already coming—I was a heartbeat too slow.
clang!
His strike crushed through my guard and launched backward. My dagger was destroyed, and agony erupted in my wounded chest.
Quickly, I hid the blood with my veil. I couldn’t afford to show any weakness right now.
’What the hell was that attack? I didn’t even see it,’
I gritted my teeth through the pain. Good thing I had the mask to hide my face—otherwise, he would have seen right through my act.
"You actually survived one of my strongest skill ," the figure remarked.
"That’s your best shot?" I sneered, forcing down the pain. "Co on, you’ll have to hit harder than that—it barely tickled."
What a load of crap. Still, I don’t really have the luxury to be picky of my ans right now.
The two of us sized each other up. On the surface, we seed evenly matched, but if he unleashed another unavoidable attack, I’d be forced to use my evil Qi.
I hated to admit it, but I didn’t want to use that state. Not yet, not when it might consu .
"For a dog, you’ve got guts—but that’s all." His hand twitched on the hilt of his weapon. "Your abilities are surprisingly strong, but you lack experience."
With his sword back in its sheath, he planted his feet and changed into a drawing stance.
Shit. This was such a cliche move straight out of an ani. I could already imagine lightning shooting from his blade after he muttered ’Izanagi’, and drew it.
I really wished it wasn’t the case. Any move that has lightning on it was bound to be very powerful.
Calm down. I have been relying too much on close combat—on my daggers. But is that all I am? Think. Who am I, really?
That’s right!
What truly set apart wasn’t my Shadow ability—it was my imagination.
"I’m done playing." I rolled my shoulder and took a step forward. "I was holding back, hiding my true power... but you just had to ruin that."
My shadow writhed and stretched, mirroring the deadly intent in my glowing green eyes. I lifted both hands, and pistols solidified in my grip.
"I’m not done yet."
On either side of , twin black Gatling guns rose on mounted stands, sliding into place with a heavy tallic grind. Each one was massive, easily the size of a full-grown adult.
The truth though? These weapons were all for show — and nothing else.
"Let’s see who’s faster — your sword or my bullets."
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Author’s Note: The second Chapter will be posted a bit late due to technical issues. Thank you for understanding.
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