The following day, daylight emerged with the sun ascending in the sky, accompanied by the flight of birds that traversed the vast expanse above. The melodic sounds of birds chirping filled the atmosphere as wildlife resumed its activities after a night of rest.
Jonathan awakened, his eyelids still heavy with sleep, and gradually positioned himself to sit upright. He turned to observe Mary Carter, who remained asleep. After rubbing his eyes, he stood, unzipped the tent, and exited into the morning light. The bright rays of the sun greeted him, prompting him to squint involuntarily. He directed his gaze skyward, observing a flock of birds in flight, a symbol of unencumbered freedom.
Outside the tent, the scenery remained familiar, with remnants of a campfire still glowing faintly. Jonathan resolved to utilize the remaining wood, employing his low-level fire magic to reignite the flames effectively.
He retrieved a pan, various cuts of meat, and a bottle of cooking oil. After pouring the oil into the pan, he placed it over the flames, the oil beginning to sizzle in response to the heat. The appetizing aroma of the cooking beef soon permeated the campsite, reaching Mary within the tent. The delightful scent prompted her to stir, and she gradually opened her eyes, curiosity piqued by the enticing fragrance.
Rising from her sleeping area, she yawned slightly and stretched before stepping outside the tent, eager to discover the source of the aroma. Upon exiting, she found Jonathan engaged in preparing breakfast.
As the beef reached an ideal level of doneness, Jonathan added fresh vegetables to the pan, presenting a balanced meal. He served the cooked beef and vegetables onto two plates.
Having sensed Mary's presence, Jonathan glanced back at the tent to see her standing at the entrance while rubbing her eyes. He then approached her with one of the plates, offering it to her with a cordial smile. Mary lowered her gaze to the plate, accepting it with both hands.
Jonathan returned to the campfire, settling down with his own plate. Mary joined him at the fire, where he presented her with a spoon and a fork. With enthusiasm, she commenced eating, clearly enjoying the meal.
Jonathan, in turn, cut into his beef and took a bite, relishing the rich flavors that his cooking offered. Mary, too, savored each morsel, discreetly acknowledging her appreciation for Jonathan's culinary skills without explicitly stating it. They continued to enjoy their meal together in a tranquil setting when a sudden rustling from the nearby bushes prompted both Jonathan and Mary to divert their attention toward the source of the sound.
The rustling of the bushes grew more intense, the leaves swaying violently as if something large was moving within. Jonathan and Mary instinctively tensed, their senses heightened. Without warning, a massive figure burst forth from the dense foliage—a towering, red-furred bear with a menacing presence. Its eyes gleamed with primal aggression as it locked its gaze onto them, radiating an aura of overwhelming hostility.
A chill ran through the air, a suffocating sense of dread settling over the clearing. Jonathan, reacting instinctively, reached for the sword strapped to his back. With a swift motion, he unsheathed it and pointed the blade toward the beast, his stance firm and unwavering.
The monstrous bear let out a deafening roar, a sound so powerful it sent shockwaves through the area. The force of the roar generated a massive gust of wind, rustling the trees and pushing loose debris into the air. Jonathan gritted his teeth, bracing himself against the onslaught of wind, his boots skidding slightly against the dirt as he struggled to maintain his footing.
As the wind finally subsided, silence filled the air, broken only by the heavy breathing of both combatants. Jonathan adjusted his grip on his sword, positioning himself for an offensive strike. The bear, as if mirroring his intent, raised one of its enormous claws, each talon sharp enough to tear through steel with ease.
Taking a deep breath, Jonathan launched himself forward, his speed blurring his form as he dashed toward the beast. The bear reacted instantly, swinging its massive claw in a wide arc. Jonathan barely had time to register the attack before he was forced to evade, stepping back just in time to avoid being cleaved in two.
Undeterred, he adjusted his stance and prepared for another attack. With renewed determination, he surged forward once more, blade in hand. The bear, unwilling to give him the advantage, lunged as well, its speed unnatural for a creature of its size. The two met in a furious clash—sword against claw, strength against agility.
Mary Carter watched in stunned silence, her eyes struggling to track the blindingly fast movements of the battle. The ferocity of the exchanges was beyond anything she had ever witnessed. Their speed surpassed the limits of human perception, each strike and counterstrike occurring in mere fractions of a second.
Jonathan vanished momentarily, utilizing his teleportation ability to reappear behind the bear. Without hesitation, he swung his sword, slashing deep into the beast's back. A spray of crimson erupted from the wound, and the bear let out a pained roar, staggering forward as blood gushed from the deep gash.
But it was not done yet. With a guttural growl, the bear twisted its massive body, attempting to retaliate. However, Jonathan anticipated the move and was already in motion. The moment the bear turned, he launched another strike, his sword carving through the air with deadly precision. The bear instinctively raised its claws to block the attack, but Jonathan's blade, forged from an exceptionally powerful material, sliced through the thick talons with ease. The severed claws clattered to the ground, followed by the blade sinking deep into the bear's chest.
The beast let out a final, agonized groan, its massive frame staggering backward. Desperately, it tried to remain standing, but the fatal wound had already sealed its fate. Jonathan wasted no time, thrusting his Constant Sword directly into the bear's heart, the blade sinking effortlessly through fur, muscle, and bone.
The monstrous creature let out one last shuddering breath before collapsing with a thunderous crash. The ground trembled slightly beneath the weight of its fallen body, and a heavy silence followed. Jonathan exhaled, allowing the tension in his muscles to ease. With a fluid motion, he flicked his sword through the air, the bloodstains disappearing from the blade as if they had never existed. He then returned the weapon to its sheath on his back.
With the battle over, Jonathan approached the lifeless bear's body, his sharp eyes scanning for valuable materials. As an A+ ranked monster, the bear possessed a highly coveted magic crystal, as well as its thick, durable hide—both of which could fetch a hefty price at the guild. Wasting no time, he crouched down and began extracting the crystal from the bear's chest, its faint glow illuminating his hands. He then proceeded to carefully skin the beast, ensuring that the hide remained intact.
Once his task was complete, he stored the collected materials in his dimensional storage before finally turning his attention back to Mary. She remained rooted to the same spot, her expression frozen in shock and disbelief.
She had known Jonathan was strong, but this level of power was something else entirely. His speed, precision, and sheer combat prowess were on par with the legendary S-rank adventurers. The realization sent a shiver down her spine.
"Jonathan…" she murmured, still trying to process what she had just witnessed.
Jonathan, as if unaffected by the intensity of the battle, simply dusted off his hands and turned toward her with a calm expression.
"W-wait... I d-didn't know you were that strong?"
She was confused and yet surprised by his skill, Jonathan tilted his head and then said.
"Yeah it's because i've been training with my sword for like 10 years, before becoming a adventurer."
Jonathan provided reassurance to Mary, indicating that he had engaged in rigorous training for a period of ten years. After a moment of reflection, she resolved to place her trust in him, contemplating the extraordinary nature of his abilities. His remarkable speed during their recent encounter exceeded that of an average person.
As Jonathan initiated movement, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, affirming that their safety was assured as long as he possessed the Constant Sword. This remark alleviated some of Mary's anxiety. He proceeded to the tent to organize their belongings. After tidying up, he disassembled the tent and stored its components within his dimensional storage. He wiped the perspiration from his forehead and exhaled deeply, recognizing the exertion involved in confronting a level-A+ monster. Typically, defeating such a creature necessitated the cooperation of a group of level-A adventurers.
Although Jonathan managed to retain his strength, the experience was nonetheless exhausting. He employed a medium-level wind magic to extinguish the campfire and informed Mary that they would continue their journey toward the exit. After standing up and brushing off her attire, Mary approached him, and he took the lead along the path they had previously traversed.
Ultimately, they successfully exited the hazardous forest without sustaining injuries or casualties, expressing relief at their survival. Before them lay a vast expanse of green grass gently swaying in the wind, with a distant view of a substantial kingdom, which appeared markedly different from any they had visited prior. This indicated their arrival on the continent of Kāyskh. As they advanced, Jonathan sensed that someone was observing him from behind. He turned to examine the forest from which they had just emerged, but saw no sign of an observer. Meanwhile, Mary continued toward the kingdom.
Utilizing his "Scan of World" skill, Jonathan identified a red figure positioned atop the branches of a tree, confirming that he was indeed being watched. Although his curiosity about the observer persisted, he prioritized reaching the kingdom. He turned back to rejoin Mary, and together they approached the kingdom, arriving at a checkpoint as anticipated. The standard procedure of inspecting their belongings was carried out smoothly, allowing them entry into the kingdom.
"Mary, I will first visit the guild to sell some materials I have collected," Jonathan informed her.
"Very well, I will locate an inn while you are away,"
she responded.
After exchanging nods of understanding, they parted ways. Jonathan proceeded to the guild, where he approached the staff to announce his intent to sell materials. The female employee acknowledged him with a nod as he accessed his dimensional storage to retrieve the various items he had acquired, including meat and shells from a red dragon, as well as fur from a red bear. The rarity and difficulty of obtaining such materials left her momentarily speechless. Her colleague, noticing her astonished expression, stepped over to investigate and was equally taken aback by Jonathan's impressive collection. Without delay, she went to inform the guildmaster about the extraordinary materials.
Evidently intrigued and impressed, the guildmaster instructed her to escort Jonathan to his office. After a brief wait, Jonathan knocked on the door, entered, and encountered the guildmaster seated at a desk cluttered with unaddressed quests.
"Hello adventurer, my name is Vanthork and i'm a guildmaster here, and the reason why i summoned you here because i have a question for you, adventurer."
The guildmaster said, he gesturedto Jonathan to sit down in front of his desk, Jonathan nodded and sat down.
"I heard that you've had a level-SSS+ material, which came from the red dragon that had been reported. And level-A+ monster red bear, so how did you manage to get all of this? Is it you met a level-SSS+ adventurer and they gave you the material?"
Jonathan shakes his head, he is the one who takes down those monsters wit, of course, Constant Sword. So Jonathan explained to him how he managed to get all of those.
"Well no actually, i haven't met that adventurer on my entire life. But whether you believe it or not, i killed those monster and collecting that material."
Hearing Jonathan's words, the guildmaster laughed at him thinking that his words are the joke. But Jonathan said seriously.
"But seriously, this isn't the time to joke, Adventurer. Let me ask you again, how did you got all of those materials?"
Vanthork said, Jonathan already knew that the guildmaster didn't believe his every word. So Jonathan just sighed and accepted the defeat, he doesn't like being a famous guy or being a strong adventurer. He finally lies to Vanthork if he keeps trying to reassure him, it won't work at all.
"Fine, i'm gonna tell a truth now, when we're inside of the forest we saw a lot of lifeless monster bodies lying down on the ground, including the red dragon that you mention it. So i take all of the material because i think someone who'd killed those monsters doesn't really want a material."
Jonathan perceived that Vanthork, the guildmaster, was confronting him regarding an evident falsehood. Despite this, Vanthork chose to believe Jonathan's claim, demonstrating a clear underestimation of the abilities associated with a lower-ranked adventurer such as Jonathan, who currently held a rank of level-D.
In the context of this world, the adventurer guild categorizes its members based on a hierarchy of levels, ranging from the lowest, level-E, to the highest attainable rank, level-SSS. Additionally, there exists an exceedingly rare classification known as level-SSS+, which encompasses adventurers capable of decimating entire armies of level-SSS monsters, creatures comparable to lower-grade dragons. When grouped, individuals of this caliber possess the capacity to challenge the most powerful dragons, namely red and black dragons, regarded as the apex of their kind.
"I am aware that you are fabricating the truth; it is widely recognized that a single individual cannot defeat a red dragon. Even groups of level-SSS+ adventurers encounter significant challenges in such endeavors,"
Vanthork articulated, a smug expression marking his face, indicative of both arrogance and an abuse of authority.
"However, I will choose to overlook your transgression on this occasion."
Subsequently, Vanthork dismissed Jonathan, who offered a slight bow in respect before exiting the guildmaster's office. Once outside, Jonathan grappled with the indignity of the encounter but resolved to suppress his frustration as he departed the guild.
As he navigated the unfamiliar streets of the kingdom, he observed knights clad in unconventional armor, which differed markedly from what he had encountered previously; their weapons, too, were distinct. The vibrant atmosphere was alive with the chatter of townsfolk, vendors advertising their products, and patrons engaged in animated conversation. While Jonathan absorbed the sights and sounds around him, he sensed the presence of someone scrutinizing him. Instinctively, he scanned his surroundings, yet without the aid of his 'Scan of World' skill, he was unable to ascertain the identity of the observer. Resigned, he chose to disregard the sensation and continued on his way.
Eventually, Jonathan spotted Mary examining the offerings of a food stall. He approached her and inquired whether she wished to purchase something. She responded enthusiastically, nodding vigorously. Jonathan then accompanied Mary into the store, where a pleasant employee greeted them.
Encouraging Mary to select whatever she desired, he assured her that price was not a concern, as he possessed a considerable amount of coins following a recent transaction with Berthur Calder. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she eagerly pointed to ten different food items on display, which left Jonathan momentarily astonished by her enthusiasm. After determining the total, the cashier indicated that the cost amounted to ten gold coins. Jonathan promptly paid the cashier, and once Mary collected her food, she informed him of an inn that she had located for their accommodations.
While departing the store, Jonathan remained acutely aware of an unsettling presence that seemed to stalk them in the shadows. Utilizing his 'Scan of World' skill, he identified multiple figures concealed in dark alleyways and atop rooftops, attentively monitoring their movements. Grasping Mary's wrist, he hastened their pace in an attempt to evade their pursuers.
Despite their efforts to distance themselves, it became evident that they continued to be followed, prompting Jonathan to harbor concerns regarding the identities of their pursuers, whether they were assassins, bandits, or mercenaries. Upon reaching the inn, Jonathan instructed Mary to meet him in his room. She complied, and they proceeded to their respective accommodations.
Once in his room, Jonathan placed his backpack down and surveyed the area from the window, noting that the unidentified individuals remained distantly observing him. He swiftly drew the curtains closed and activated his 'Silence Room' skill, which established a barrier that muted all sounds emanating from within. He took a seat on the bed, awaiting Mary's arrival.
Approximately ten minutes later, his 'Scan of World' detected Mary standing outside his door, where she knocked silently, her efforts muted by the skill's barrier. He opened the door and signaled for her to enter. After she had taken her place inside the room, he closed the door behind them and resumed his position on the bed, prepared to deliberate on their forthcoming strategy.
Mary approached Jonathan with an urgent matter, expressing her concern that an individual was lurking near them after they departed from the forest.
Surprised by this revelation, Mary gasped in disbelief.
"What? Is that true? Has someone been following us? You should have informed me sooner so that we could have apprehended the individual observing us."
Mary was determined to assist Jonathan, as he had consistently supported her in various situations, including a perilous incident within the forest. She felt it necessary to reciprocate his help. Observing her resolve, Jonathan recognized her earnest intent, though he harbored uncertainties regarding their ability to confront the stalker. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to accept her offer. Jonathan met Mary's pleading gaze, and after a moment of contemplation, he agreed to her assistance. Upon hearing his affirmation, her expression brightened, a smile blooming across her face. This enthusiastic reaction made Jonathan somewhat uneasy, prompting him to outline their strategy to confront the potential threat.
It took approximately twenty minutes to finalize their plan while an ominous figure remained concealed in the shadows of an alleyway, awaiting further instructions. Once their strategy was complete, Jonathan deactivated his skill, causing the protective barrier to dissipate. Mary exited Jonathan's room and proceeded to her own, which was adjacent.
With the uncertainty of their plans looming, questions arose regarding their likelihood of success. As they settled in for the night, the unknown man continued to observe them, particularly Jonathan. A partner of this individual emerged from the shadows to relay information, after which the unknown man nodded and the partner receded into the darkness.
The following day, bright sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating Jonathan's face as he slowly roused from sleep. After sitting up, he rubbed his eyes, yawned, and stretched before leaving his room to descend to the cafeteria. Upon arrival, he noticed Mary seated in a corner, surrounded by several men attempting to flirt with her. She made eye contact with Jonathan and quickly winked, signaling for assistance. Recognizing the situation, Jonathan approached her.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, what is happening here? She is my girlfriend, and I must ask you to leave her alone."
Their expressions shifted to one of arrogance and disbelief.
"What did you just say, punk? You believe she is your girlfriend? How amusing. You are no match for us," one man retorted confidently.
In a swift motion, Mary approached Jonathan and linked her arm with his, feigning a romantic connection. This surprised Jonathan, who felt his face flush.
"He's correct; he is my boyfriend. I kindly request that you leave us alone,"
She insisted, looking directly at the men. Rendered speechless by her assertion, the group eventually departed. Once they had gone, Mary released her hold on Jonathan's arm and expressed gratitude.
"Thank you, Jonathan, for playing the part of my boyfriend. I was uncertain how I would have managed without your intervention."
"Yes, it was no trouble, Mary," Jonathan replied, his face still slightly flushed, although she appeared unaware of his embarrassment. They took a seat together and ordered breakfast.
While they conversed, a suspiciously cloaked man seated behind them continued to observe them intently. Jonathan sensed that someone was monitoring his movements. He activated his 'Scan of World' skill, confirming that the man was indeed scrutinizing them, his face obscured by shadows. The individual appeared to be documenting their behaviors and routines, suggesting a potential plan to abduct Jonathan and compel him to meet with an unidentified client for the purpose of relinquishing his potions.
Jonathan had the option to approach the man and inquire about his activities; however, he ultimately chose not to do so. After an hour had passed, Jonathan stood up and invited Mary to accompany him on a shopping excursion in this new kingdom. She agreed with an enthusiastic nod, which stemmed from her plans to purchase several items, including new dishes, clothing, souvenirs, and other goods. Subsequently, they departed from the inn and proceeded toward the marketplace, where they encountered an abundance of appealing merchandise.
As they navigated the marketplace, a delightful aroma of food captured Mary's attention, prompting her to instinctively inhale deeply. She then surveyed her surroundings in search of the source of the enticing scent and eventually located it emanating from a small restaurant. Noticing that the establishment was devoid of patrons, she felt a sense of empathy for the restaurant and made the decision to visit it. She directed Jonathan toward the restaurant, pointing directly at it. Jonathan scrutinized the restaurant and asked her, "Are you certain?" She responded with an enthusiastic nod, making it difficult for him to decline her request. Consequently, they entered the small restaurant.
Upon entering, they observed that the restaurant's interior was somewhat untidy, with cobwebs decorating the ceiling and dust accumulating on one of the tables. Nevertheless, they prioritized sampling the food, as the aroma suggested it would be delicious. They seated themselves at a table, and the chef, noticing their presence, promptly approached them and presented the menu.
They perused the menu, intrigued by its distinct offerings compared to menus they had encountered previously. Eager to explore the culinary diversity of the region, they swiftly placed a substantial order. The chef recorded their selections, nodded in acknowledgment, and informed them to wait briefly while he prepared their meal. Meanwhile, Jonathan found himself pondering why the restaurant lacked customers, but he refrained from posing what might be perceived as an impolite question. He chose to withhold his inquiry and engaged in conversation with Mary, unaware that they were ensnared in a plot orchestrated by an assassin. Unbeknownst to them, the chef was, in fact, a member of this assassin group, executing one of their coordinated plans.
Outside the restaurant, an assassin silently scaled the side of a tall building, positioning himself on the rooftop with practiced ease. He carried a bow, its surface etched with glowing runes—enchanted with magic to increase speed and accuracy. His target was clear: Jonathan. With steady hands, he drew an arrow, aiming directly at the restaurant's window, his gaze locked onto Jonathan's head. Unaware of the looming danger, Jonathan and Mary sat comfortably at their table. The chef had just finished preparing their meals and returned to serve them. Placing the dishes before them, he gave a polite nod before excusing himself, leaving the two to enjoy their food. Mary's eyes immediately lit up at the sight of the meal. The rich aroma filled the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation. Without hesitation, she scooped up a spoonful and took a bite. The moment the flavors exploded in her mouth, stars seemed to sparkle in her eyes.
"This is amazing!"
she purred in delight, eagerly devouring her food. Jonathan, watching her reaction, was momentarily speechless. He had never seen Mary this enthusiastic about a meal before. Curious, he took a spoonful himself and tasted it.
His eyes widened slightly—this was beyond anything he had ever eaten. The balance of flavors, the texture, everything was perfect. He even considered asking the chef for the recipe so he could prepare something similar on their journey. But just as they were enjoying their meal, danger struck. From his vantage point, the rooftop assassin released his arrow. Enhanced by magic, it sliced through the air at an incredible speed, heading straight for Jonathan's head through the window. Just before impact, Jonathan's instincts flared. Without thinking, his body moved on its own—he jerked his head backward, barely avoiding the deadly projectile. The arrow shot past him, missing his face by mere inches before embedding itself deep into the wooden wall behind him with a loud thud. Jonathan's sudden movement caused him to lose balance, sending him tumbling backward off his chair. He landed on the floor, his heart pounding in his chest. His gaze snapped toward the arrow now lodged in the wall.Mary, equally startled, immediately turned to him.
"Jonathan, are you okay?!"
Jonathan's expression darkened. This wasn't a random attack.
This was an ambush.
At that moment, a hidden communication spell activated. The chef, now standing in a secluded corner, whispered into a magical sigil. "The shot missed. Proceed with Plan B." The assassin on the rooftop acknowledged the signal and quickly relayed new orders to his comrades. Within seconds, the restaurant's front and back doors slammed shut as heavily armed assassins stormed inside, blocking any possible escape routes. Jonathan and Mary immediately sprang to their feet.
"We're surrounded,"
Jonathan muttered, his eyes scanning the numerous masked figures encircling them.
Mary wasted no time. She reached for her spellbook, flipping it open with practiced ease, her hands already glowing with magical energy. One of the assassins dashed toward them, blade in hand. Mary narrowly avoided the attack, countering with a swift strike to the assassin's head, knocking him unconscious in an instant.
Seeing their ally fall, the remaining assassins charged all at once. The small restaurant erupted into chaos. Jonathan fought with remarkable agility, effortlessly dodging attacks while delivering precise, devastating blows. In mere moments, he had taken down several assassins without sustaining a single injury. Meanwhile, Mary skillfully evaded enemy strikes, casting fireballs at her attackers. The flames ignited their cloaks, forcing them to retreat, but she ensured the burns were non-fatal. Despite the overwhelming odds, the two held their ground. But the relentless assault continued, forcing them into a defensive position. The assassins were determined, their sheer numbers making it nearly impossible to fend them all off indefinitely. Jonathan realized they had no choice but to escalate. Summoning his weapon, he called upon his Constant Sword. In an instant, the enchanted blade materialized in his grasp, its surface shimmering with a faint, otherworldly glow. The assassins hesitated.
"How the hell did that sword just appear in his hand?!"
One of them whispered in shock.
But despite their unease, they remained committed to their mission. Gritting their teeth, they launched another wave of attacks. Jonathan, gripping his sword tightly, muttered a silent command. The Constant Sword responded, surging power through his body. His energy and strength increased exponentially, pushing his physical capabilities to new heights. With renewed force, he counterattacked. His blade moved with inhuman speed, cutting through their defenses with ruthless efficiency. Within moments, several assassins were either incapacitated or too injured to continue. Astonishingly, Jonathan remained completely unharmed. Not a single wound. Not even a scratch. Mary, witnessing his overwhelming strength, couldn't believe her eyes. His speed, power, and precision were beyond that of even an S-rank adventurer. As the battle continued, the assassins realized they were outmatched. Their numbers had dwindled, their mission slipping from their grasp. The leader finally gave the signal to retreat. One by one, the remaining assassins withdrew, carrying their wounded comrades with them. Their mission had failed. As the last enemy disappeared into the night, Jonathan let out a breath and lowered his sword. He dropped to one knee, exhausted. Mary leaned against a wall, panting. Constantly casting spells while evading attacks had drained her energy. They rested for about thirty minutes before slowly rising to their feet. As they surveyed the destruction around them, their expressions darkened. The restaurant was in ruins. Tables and chairs were shattered, scorch marks lined the walls, and their meals lay scattered across the floor. Jonathan scanned the room, then noticed something.
"The chef… he's gone."
Mary frowned.
"You think he got away during the fight?"
Jonathan nodded slowly, choosing to believe the man had escaped. What he didn't realize was that the chef had been part of the assassination plot all along. Without another word, they decided to leave and return to their inn.
Back at their inn, they entered their respective rooms without hesitation. Mary collapsed onto her bed, exhaustion overtaking her almost immediately. Within seconds, she was fast asleep. Jonathan, however, remained awake. He set his sword down and activated his Dimensional Storage, scanning through his inventory. Reaching inside, he retrieved a Potion of Energy—a high-grade elixir capable of restoring 70% of his stamina, depending on its quality. Without hesitation, he uncorked the vial and drank it. Almost instantly, he felt a surge of renewed energy coursing through his body. Approaching the window, he gazed at the darkening sky. The stars had begun to twinkle, and the world outside had grown eerily quiet. Deciding he had done enough for the night, he lay down on his bed, allowing sleep to claim him. Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location, the assassins returned to their base. The leader, visibly shaken, stood before his superior, reporting their failed mission. His voice trembled as he spoke. Their boss, upon hearing the news, erupted into fury. His rage was palpable, his disappointment immense.
"You were supposed to retrieve all of Jonathan's potions,"
He growled, his fists clenching.
Without warning, he struck the leader across the face with brutal force, sending him stumbling backward.
"You will get those potions,"
The boss snarled.
"I don't care what it takes. Do not fail me again. But remember—you are not to kill Jonathan yet. His potions are locked within his storage ability. Only he can access them."
The leader, still shaken, nodded nervously before hastily exiting the room. Their mission was far from over.
And whatever they planned next… Jonathan and Mary had no idea what was coming.