[Judging by the footfalls and range of movement, there are two posted guards behind this wall. They are stationary.]
I stepped back, pulling away from the cold stone. "Turn off the heightened hearing," I whispered.
[Turning off. Off.]
The world around me quieted, and I took a deep breath. Infiltrating in broad daylight felt reckless, but I couldn't wait until nightfall. The risk was too great.
"Delilah, is there a way to suddenly boost my abilities?" I asked, feeling the weight of the decision I was about to make.
[Yes. Adrenaline is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, particularly in conditions of stress. It increases the rate of blood circulation, breathing, and metabolism, preparing the muscles for exertion. While it will heighten your combat capability, be forewarned: overexertion will still take a toll on the body. The nanomachines can ameliorate the harm, but caution is advisable. Combined with your strange energy, the adrenaline, and nanomachine augmentation, the compounded effects should dramatically enhance your abilities.]
I nodded. "Understood."
I could feel my heart race as I prepared to push myself beyond my limits. The odds weren't perfect, but I wasn't aiming for perfection. I was aiming for revenge.
"Activate the adrenaline boost," I said, my voice firm.
[Activating.]
"Good. Let's do this," I whispered to myself, focusing on the task at hand.
As I glanced up, faint arrows appeared in my line of vision, courtesy of Delilah. I followed them instinctively, leaping into a series of rapid kicks that propelled me up the 20-foot wall. My body felt light, almost weightless, as I scaled the obstacle effortlessly.
[In order to land silently, you need to start contracting before you hit the ground and brace yourself by tightening your muscles as much as possible.]
I prepared to descend, seeing another arrow guiding my movement. I landed behind one of the guards with a quiet thud, still in mid-air as I slashed my sword cleanly through the back of his neck.
[You have severed his spine. Kill Count: 1.]
My feet touched the ground noiselessly, and I immediately focused on the second guard, who was mid-yawn when he noticed me. Before he could react, I was already upon him. I clamped my hand over his mouth, muffling any sound, and drove my sword into his throat just as the arrows had guided me. I twisted the blade to ensure a quick kill.
The bandit gurgled on his own blood, his eyes widening in shock. I stared into them, watching as the light slowly faded from his gaze.
[Kill Count: 2.]
I let the body fall, wiping the blood off my blade with his clothes. My heart pounded, but I felt no hesitation—only a grim sense of purpose.
I dragged the bodies carefully into the nearby underbrush, making sure they were well-hidden. My hands moved quickly, but with precision, not wanting to leave any trace. Once I was satisfied, I leaped onto a low roof and flattened myself against the tiles, lying on my belly.
"Enhance hearing and eyesight," I whispered, my voice low.
[Confirmed.]
Immediately, my senses sharpened. The distant rustling of leaves and faint murmurs of conversation became clear. I crawled forward, peeking over the edge of the roof. My map in the corner of my vision expanded as I scanned the area, marking new enemy positions and routes.
Bandits were scattered around the ruins, most of them lounging without a care in the world. They were completely unaware of what was coming. I spotted several potential entry points and paths to their inner sanctum. With each new detail, the map grew more intricate, providing a clearer picture of their defenses—or lack thereof.
I gripped my sword tighter, feeling the weight of my mission. This was my chance.
"Find the best path," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
[Processing. Processing…]
I held my breath, waiting for Delilah's analysis.
[Confirmed.]
An arrow appeared before my eyes, tracing a path through the chaotic ruin. Without hesitation, I launched forward.
[Watch where you walk.]
I advanced carefully, passing a row of vases beneath the alley's shadowed cover. I crouched low, keeping my movements precise and controlled.
[Move close to the ground. Walk in a slightly crouched position, engaging all of your muscles as you move. This lightens the amount of force that hits the ground each time you make contact, enabling you to move much more quietly. Keep your body compact, and distribute your weight evenly so you don't clunk your feet noisily against the ground.]
I followed the arrow's trail, staying hidden as I passed two guards returning from the well, their idle conversation oblivious to my presence.
[Walk toe to heel. Place the toe of your foot down first and slowly, gently roll your foot toward your heel and onto the ground. Your body weight should rest primarily over your back leg.]
I crept by a small building, listening to the ruffians inside playing cards. Their laughter and arguments filled the air, but none of them noticed me slipping past.
[Keep your arms close. Try not to use your hands and arms by balancing yourself on walls and such, because you could knock something over and give away your presence. Instead, hold them near your sides in a comfortable position that doesn't restrict your movement.]
My eyes locked onto the next part of my route—a giant puddle blocking my way. Without slowing down, I leapt toward the nearby wall, using it as a springboard to vault over the water. I landed softly on the dry ground and rolled to absorb the impact, coming to a silent stop.
Now, I was at the backdoor of their stronghold. The main entrance was a hive of activity, with bandits swarming in and out. This entrance, hidden and neglected, was perfect for my purposes.
"Here we go," I muttered, bracing myself. "Thanks for the stealth lessons, Delilah."
[No problem.]
I approached the backdoor and reached for the handle, only to feel resistance. It was locked.
"Locked," I grumbled, clicking my tongue in frustration.
[Would you like me to assist with bypassing the lock?] Delilah asked, ever so calm.
"I don't suppose you have a way to magically unlock doors?"
[Not exactly. However, I can guide you through a basic lockpicking technique. You'll need something thin—like a hairpin or a piece of wire.]
I glanced around, hoping for something useful. My eyes landed on an old, discarded piece of fencing wire nearby. "This'll do."
[Insert the wire gently into the lock, feeling for the pins.]
Following Delilah's instructions, I worked the wire slowly, carefully manipulating the pins inside the lock. My hands were steady, but in my head, I was anxious. Time felt like it was slipping away, every second ticking closer to the bandits' next raid.
[Now, apply slight pressure while lifting the last pin—gently.]
I felt the final pin give way. The lock clicked open.
"Got it."
I pushed the door open just enough to slip inside. The room beyond was dimly lit, filled with crates and weapons. My heart pounded, but I forced myself to stay calm. This was only the beginning.
[Stay focused. There may be traps or additional guards inside.]
I nodded, crouching low as I moved deeper into the hideout. "Let's get to work."