Kael stood in the shadows, a predatory smile curling his lips as he read the target's name from the file given by the guild master. A wealthy merchant with a fortress-like residence, protected by dozens of guards. The challenge excited Kael.
Reaching the mansion was easy. The high walls, watchtowers, and meticulously placed guards—forty to fifty in total, with the strongest among them being a low-ranked Spirit Adept—posed no threat to him. Kael was the
He activated his Silent Steps technique, a skill he had perfected under the tutelage of the legendary King of Assassins. Like a phantom, Kael slipped past the guards, moving from shadow to shadow, until he reached the courtyard.
The mansion was a grand two-story building with an intricately designed façade. The courtyard was illuminated by lanterns, casting long shadows that Kael used to his advantage. He noted the positions of the guards: two at the main gate, four patrolling the perimeter, and several stationed at strategic points. Inside, he sensed five individuals, all at the low Spirit Adept rank. It was a trap, but he was undeterred.
Kael reached the target's bedroom without incident. The room was spacious, with expensive furnishings and a large bed in the center. The target lay sleeping, unaware of the impending danger. As Kael approached, his blade ready to strike, he sensed the five hidden guards springing into action.
He struck the sleeping target, only to be repelled by an invisible shield. An artifact, he realized, capable of blocking a single attack from any spirit user. The five guards pounced, their blades aimed at him. Kael spun around, meeting their attack with a flurry of precise and lethal strikes.
The sound of clashing steel filled the room. Kael moved with the agility of a dancer, his blade a blur as he parried and countered the guards' attacks. The guards were skilled, but Kael was better. He ducked under a fiery slash, feeling the heat singe the air around him, and countered with a swift cut to the attacker's side.
The first guard lunged at Kael, his blade aiming for Kael's heart. Kael sidestepped, his movements fluid and precise. He brought his own blade up, catching the guard's sword and deflecting it with a sharp clang. The guard stumbled, off-balance, and Kael took advantage, spinning and driving his hidden blade into the guard's side. The man gasped, blood bubbling from his lips as he fell to the floor.
"One down," Kael muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
The remaining four guards circled him, their eyes wary. One of them, a burly man with an earth spirit, swung his heavy blade in a wide arc. Kael ducked, feeling the rush of air as the sword passed over his head. He rolled forward, coming up behind the burly guard, and slashed at his Achilles tendon.
AHHH
The man screamed, falling to his knees. Kael delivered a swift kick to the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.
"He's too fast!" one of the guards shouted, panic creeping into his voice.
Kael didn't give them time to regroup. He leaped onto the bed, using the height to his advantage. The guards hesitated, unsure of how to approach. Kael sprang from the bed, his blade flashing in the candlelight as he aimed for the guard closest to him. The guard raised his sword to block, but Kael was faster. He twisted in mid-air, his foot connecting with the guard's wrist and sending his sword flying.
The guard stumbled back, clutching his wrist. Kael landed gracefully, his blade finding the guard's throat in one swift motion.
SLASH
Blood sprayed, and the guard crumpled to the floor, lifeless.
"Three left," Kael said, his tone almost mocking.
The remaining guards exchanged nervous glances. One of them, a lean man with quick reflexes, charged at Kael. His blade was imbued with fire, flames rising along the edge. Kael met him head-on, their swords clashing with a burst of sparks. The room filled with the sound of metal on metal, a symphony of combat.
Kael parried a thrust, his movements economical and deadly. He feinted to the left, drawing the guard's guard down, and then struck to the right. His blade pierced the guard's shoulder, and the man screamed, dropping his sword. Kael didn't hesitate; he followed up with a swift slash across the man's throat, ending his life.
The last two guards attacked simultaneously, trying to overwhelm Kael with their combined strength. One wielded a blade crackling with lightning, while the other had a sword that shimmered with ice. Kael danced between them, his movements a blur. He used the small confines of the room to his advantage, bouncing off walls and furniture to evade their strikes.
The guard with the lightning blade swung at Kael, but Kael ducked, the blade slicing through the air above him. He kicked a chair into the guard's path, causing him to stumble. Kael took the opportunity to drive his blade into the man's chest, feeling the resistance as it pierced flesh and bone. The guard's eyes went wide with shock, and he fell to the floor, lifeless.
The final guard, the one with the ice blade, hesitated. Kael could see the fear in his eyes. He moved in, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. The guard raised his sword to block, but Kael was too fast. He knocked the guard's blade aside and plunged his sword into the man's heart.
SPURT
The guard gasped, blood bubbling from his lips as he collapsed.
Kael stood amidst the carnage, his chest rising and falling with exertion. He wiped the blood from his blade and turned to face the merchant, who was trying to flee. The merchant's eyes were wide with terror, his hands shaking.
Kael didn't respond. He stepped forward, his blade ready to strike. But before he could deliver the final blow, a powerful slash came down at him. Kael jumped back, his eyes narrowing as he saw the newcomer. A Spirit Master, the true guardian of the merchant.
The Spirit Master's blade glowed with fierce energy, the power radiating from it causing the air to crackle. Kael knew this would be a tougher fight, but he was ready. He glanced at the merchant, who was trying to run and hide.
"Running won't save you," Kael said, his voice cold and unyielding. He turned his attention back to the Spirit Master, his body tensing in anticipation.
As the Spirit Master prepared to strike, Kael's clone dissipated into shadows. The real Kael, hidden and controlling the clone from a distance using his shadow spirit, stepped out from his hiding place. He smirked, his eyes locked on the Spirit Master. "Did you really think I'd be foolish enough to fight you head-on?"
The merchant, hiding behind a piece of furniture, stared at Kael in shock.
Kael's real form, now fully visible, faced the Spirit Master with unyielding resolve. The true battle was about to begin.
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DING
Quest Arrived
Quest Details: Give 10 genuine reviews to the novel Assassin's Redemption
Completion Rate: 2/10
Rewards: Extra chapters
Failure: Bad Luck for a week