It started as an ordinary commute. Alexis sat in the corner seat of the monorail, his back against the window, scrolling idly through his phone while his Digi-HUD projected his stats and ability summaries into the edge of his vision. The soft hum of the monorail's movement was almost soothing as he reviewed a monster entry: "Aetherial Stalker: Potential Skills – Phase Step, Shadow Mirage." He couldn't help but think about the utility of such powers.
But then, he felt it—a ripple in the air, an unease that sent a tingle down his spine. His senses, honed, sharpened instantly. He subtly looked up from his phone, scanning the nearly empty car. Two ordinary passengers sat at the far end, chatting quietly. And then his gaze landed on the anomaly: a figure in a black hoodie, seated motionless, their head bowed slightly, hands tucked into their pockets.
Alexis's instincts screamed. Something isn't right.
He placed a quick call to Carna.
"Hey, Boss, what's up?" Carna's voice chimed through.
"I'll be late," Alexis said in a hushed tone, eyes never leaving the hooded figure.
"Late? Why—"
"Can't explain. Might be some trouble. Cover for me if you can."
"Trouble? Boss—"
He ended the call. No time for explanations. He silently pulled the steel short sword from Slu's mouth, the blade gleaming faintly under the monorail lights.
The hooded figure then stood.
The motion was fluid, deliberate, and silent. Their head turned toward Alexis, a glint of something metallic catching the light beneath the hood.
Without warning, the figure vanished—a blink of an eye.
Alexis's instincts screamed again, and he twisted his arm up just in time, raising his blade. A dagger came crashing down, sparks flying as it clashed against his short sword.
Their eyes met briefly: the assassin's face was partially obscured, but Alexis caught a glimpse of sharp, calculating eyes beneath the hood.
"Not bad," the assassin muttered, their voice low and smooth.
Alexis countered with a horizontal slash, aiming for the assassin's ribs. But the figure parried, the dagger meeting steel with expert precision. The impact forced the assassin back, creating distance between them.
The two other passengers screamed, scrambling toward the next car. The automated doors slid shut behind them, leaving Alexis and the assassin alone.
"Who sent you?" Alexis demanded, keeping his sword raised.
The assassin chuckled darkly, spinning the dagger in one hand with casual grace. "Not here to chat. Just here to kill."
And then they launched forward.
The atmosphere shifted the moment Alexis and the hooded figure squared off. The faint hum of the monorail was drowned out by the sharp intensity in the air. The hooded figure vanished in a blur, reappearing inches from Alexis's face, dagger descending in a deadly arc.
Alexis reacted on pure instinct, steel ringing as his short sword intercepted the blow. Sparks flew, the force of the strike driving Alexis back a step. The assassin twisted midair, landing with feline grace and lunging again, their movements a blend of speed and precision.
Alexis activated Agyl' Boost, a burst of energy coursing through his body as his reflexes heightened. He sidestepped the next attack, the assassin's blade slicing through the seat where he'd been standing. Alexis retaliated with a slash, his blade arcing toward the figure's midsection.
The assassin parried with their dagger, the clash reverberating through the car. Without missing a beat, they vaulted over Alexis, flipping gracefully and hurling a throwing knife mid-spin. Alexis ducked, the knife embedding itself into the metal wall behind him with a clang.
The two stood tall against each other, their eyes locked.
"You're quick," the assassin said, their grip tightening on their blade.
Alexis's voice was calm but cold. "And you're in my way."
The assassin moved first, feinting left before darting right. Alexis countered, slashing horizontally, but the figure bent backward unnaturally, the blade missing by a hair. They retaliated with a series of rapid strikes, their dagger dancing in tight arcs.
Alexis deflected, the clang of steel against steel filling the car. He saw an opening and activated Red Silk Shot, crimson threads shooting from his hand. The assassin leapt backward, dodging most of the threads, but one caught their jacket, pinning them briefly.
"Gotcha," Alexis muttered, pulling hard.
The assassin was yanked forward, but instead of panicking, they twisted their body midair, using the momentum to launch themselves into a spinning kick. Alexis raised his arm, the impact jarring but deflected by his Wyvern Scale Armament Arm.
The assassin landed lightly, their jacket now minimally shredded but their resolve still unshaken.
The car shuddered as the monorail banked sharply, the sudden motion throwing both combatants off balance. The assassin used the opportunity to leap upward, kicking open the emergency hatch and disappearing through it.
Alexis cursed under his breath. "Running already?"
He followed, vaulting through the hatch and emerging onto the roof. The wind roared around him, the city rushing past in a blur of neon lights and towering skyscrapers.
The assassin stood at the edge of the roof, dagger gleaming under the sun.
"Up here, no one gets in the way," they said, their voice barely audible over the wind.
Alexis's voice firm. "Fine by me."
The assassin struck first, charging with blinding speed. Alexis activated Precision Strike, his blade glowing as he met the attack head-on. Their weapons clashed in a flurry of strikes, sparks cascading with every collision.
The assassin ducked low, sweeping Alexis's legs. He stumbled but used the momentum to roll backward, coming to his feet in one fluid motion. He unleashed Wind Sprite Combustion Volley, sending bursts of explosive wind toward his opponent.
The assassin darted between the projectiles, their movements a blur. They closed the distance, slashing upward. Alexis blocked with his arm, the scaled arm absorbing the impact. He countered with a powerful strike, his blade slicing through the air.
The assassin flipped backward, narrowly avoiding the slash, and retaliated with a series of throwing knives. Alexis deflected two but was forced to sidestep the third, which grazed his shoulder.
The monorail sped into a tunnel, the sudden darkness adding a new layer of tension. Alexis's Digi-HUD adjusted, highlighting his opponent's silhouette.
The assassin vanished again. Alexis stayed calm, listening for the faintest sound. A whisper of wind alerted him, and he spun just in time to block a strike aimed at his back.
"Nice trick," Alexis said, pushing the assassin back.
The assassin didn't respond, instead launching into a series of acrobatic strikes. They flipped, twisted, and spun, their dagger moving like an extension of their body. Alexis met every attack, his wyvern'd arm and blade working in tandem to block and counter.
The tunnel ended, light flooding the rooftop. The assassin, now breathing heavily, leapt back.
"This ends now," they said, their dagger glowing with some sort of dark mana energy.
Alexis grinned. "Couldn't agree more."
The assassin hurled their dagger, the blade spinning toward Alexis with deadly precision. He activated Red Silk Shot, deflecting the blade mid-flight and redirecting it up to the air.
Before the assassin could react, Alexis closed the distance, his blade glowing with mana. He activated Bone Kunai, launching a barrage of sharp bone kunai's. The assassin dodged most but was hit in the leg, their movements faltering.
Seizing the opportunity, Alexis activated Agyl' Boost, his speed increasing as he unleashed a flurry of strikes. The assassin, now on the defensive, parried desperately, their movements slowing.
With one final, powerful swing, Alexis disarmed them, their dagger flying off the roof and into the ground below. He pointed his blade at their chest.
"Now," he said, his tone firm, "you're going to answer some questions."
The assassin smirked, their hand reaching for a device on their belt.
"Not today," they said, pressing the button.
A flash of light engulfed the rooftop, and when it faded, the assassin was gone.
Alexis sheathed his sword back in Slu's mouth, exhaling sharply. The adrenaline coursing through his veins began to subside as the wind rushed past him.
"Well," he muttered, as he stepped back toward the hatch, down towards the seats, as he sat down, "that was a nice start to the day."
As the train rattled to a stop at the next station, the familiar hum of the monorail's machinery gradually faded. Alexis sat, his body softened and tired from the fight, but his mind was already racing. The adrenaline was beginning to wear off, replaced by the weight of the confrontation he'd just survived. He knew he'd be getting questions soon, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to deal with them.
He pulled out his phone, dialing Carna's number.
The call connected almost instantly.
"Boss! What happened?!" Carna's voice crackled through the phone, a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Nothing too crazy," Alexis replied with a sigh, trying to downplay the chaos he'd just endured. He didn't have the energy to explain the entire situation right now. "Just... save me some coffee. I'm gonna need it."
Carna was silent for a moment. "You sure you're okay, Boss? That doesn't sound like nothin'."
"Just... save... me... some coffee," Alexis repeated, ending the call before he could get another round of questions.
He stepped off the monorail and onto the platform, eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of danger. The city was as bustling as usual, the sounds of chatter and traffic filling the air. Still, something felt off, as if the tension from his fight hadn't quite lifted. He made his way toward the restaurant, his steps slow but purposeful, knowing he needed to process everything before facing Carna and Miz.
As he neared the entrance, he spotted Carna standing outside, a cigarette dangling from her lips. She spotted him almost immediately, flicking the cigarette butt to the ground and stomping it out with a swift motion. Her usual relaxed demeanor was replaced with sharp, focused eyes, clearly waiting for an explanation.
"Boss," she said with a raised eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Where have you been?"
Alexis sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know... just a little chat with a damn assassin on the monorail. Nothing big."
Carna's eyes widened, her arms uncrossing as she stepped forward. "An assassin? On the monorail? Are you serious?" Her tone dropped lower. "Was it another person from Boundless? Should we be worried?"
Before Alexis could answer, Miz appeared from the restaurant, his usual calm demeanor replaced with a look of concern. "Sir Alexis," he said, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "What happened? Carna's already been asking."
"Yeah, Boss," Carna chimed in, her voice less teasing and more genuine now. "You gonna fill us in?"
Alexis glanced between them, knowing they both deserved an answer. He took a deep breath. "I was on my way here when I ran into some assassin. They tried to take me out while I was riding the train, but I managed to handle it."
Carna frowned, her brow furrowing with confusion. "You handled it? I want details, Boss. How the hell do you handle an assassin on a moving train? Well... nevermind, it is you, boss."
"Mhm," Alexis said, a smirk forming on his lips despite the exhaustion in his body. "I fought back. They were fast, but I was faster. We then ended up on the roof of the train, but the assassin bailed before I could get any answers. Teleported or something."
Miz narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "And you didn't get a chance to finish the fight?"
Alexis shook his head. "No. But they weren't after just me. Something doesn't sit right about it. This wasn't a random attack. Whoever sent that assassin knows exactly who I am."
Carna huffed, frustration in her voice. "Then what do we do about it, Boss? We're not just gonna let this slide, are we?"
Alexis stared off into the distance for a moment, weighing his options. "For now, let's stick to what we know. I think we should visit the Japanese Government Headquarters in Center Tokyo. They probably got connections. I'm betting they're somehow involved in all this. We'll get more answers from them, but for now... we should finish our work here."
Miz nodded in agreement, stepping closer. "Sounds like a good plan. But if anyone else comes after you, Sir Alexis, we'll be ready."
"Thanks, I'm counting on it," Alexis said, finally feeling a sense of calm settle over him. "But for now, let's focus on keeping this place running smoothly. We'll deal with the rest later."
Carna sighed but gave a nod. "Fine. But don't think this is over, Boss. I want to know exactly who's pulling the strings."
"Believe me, so do I," Alexis replied, stepping inside the restaurant.
The familiar warmth of the restaurant hit him as he entered, the smells of cooking food filling the air. He felt a strange sense of normalcy in the bustle of the kitchen and the chatter of the staff. For a moment, it almost felt like nothing had happened at all.
But the reality of the situation still lingered in the back of his mind. Someone had tried to take him out, and it wouldn't be the last time. He just had to make sure that next time, he was ready for it.
"Let's get to work," Alexis said, rolling up his sleeves. "The sooner we finish here, the sooner we can head to Tokyo."
Carna, still clearly not fully satisfied with his answer, gave a small shrug. "Alright, alright. But you owe me a drink after this."
Miz gave a polite nod. "I'll get started on the orders, Sir Alexis."
The trio settled into their routine, the rest of the day proceeding without incident. But as the hours wore on, Alexis couldn't shake the feeling that the world had shifted just a little. The calm before the storm always seemed the most dangerous. And he had a feeling that the storm would be coming faster than he anticipated.
The morning sun cast a soft golden hue over the city as Alexis, Kalem, Miz, Carna, Ferni, and Seika gathered at the train station. Despite the weekend atmosphere and the lively buzz of commuters, their group's energy was tense, the weight of uncertainty hanging over them. Conversations were sparse during the monorail ride to Central Tokyo, each member of the group seemingly lost in their own thoughts. The rhythmic clatter of the train on its tracks filled the silence.
When they finally arrived at the towering Japan Government Headquarters, an air of authority and importance surrounded the massive structure. An attendant greeted them in the lobby, escorting the group through sleek hallways and polished glass corridors until they reached the Director's office.
Director Kuroda, a tall man with graying hair and a sharp gaze, rose from his desk to greet them. "Alexis Tilt," he began, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. "It's not every day that I receive a visit from one of the most prominent members of the Wave Order. What brings you here?"
Alexis stepped forward, his tone measured but firm. "Director, I had an encounter yesterday. An assassin—skilled, fast, and deadly—came after me on the monorail. They were unlike any threat I've faced so far. I barely managed to fend them off."
Kuroda's sharp eyes darkened, and he leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. "I see. You're not the first to report such an incident."
The group exchanged uneasy glances.
Kuroda continued, his voice grave. "We've received similar complaints from Wave Order members across various districts. Reports describe hooded figures—black cloaks, swift movements, armed with daggers or handguns imbued with mana. Their tactics are precise, their strikes fatal. As of now, eight Wave Order members have been assassinated."
Gasps filled the room as the weight of the revelation settled on everyone.
Seika, her voice trembling, broke the silence. "Eight members… gone? Just like that?"
Carna scowled, her fists clenching. "How the hell is this happening? We're supposed to be the best at dealing with the Waves. Who could be targeting us like this?"
Director Kuroda nodded grimly. "We don't have a definitive answer yet, but the evidence points to an organized syndicate. They specifically target Wave Order members—or, more disturbingly, anyone originally from Boundless. Their signature is chilling: after every assassination, they take the victim's Wave Order Medal and spray a red 'X' across it. It's a declaration of war against your kind."
Miz's face was calm but stern, his voice steady. "And no one has seen their faces? Not even survivors?"
"None," Kuroda confirmed. "Their speed and precision make it impossible. The source of their weapons—mana-infused blades and bullets—remains a mystery as well. Creating such items requires expertise beyond what we've encountered in this world."
Kalem, his face pale, looked toward Alexis. "This isn't just a coincidence, is it? They're systematically hunting us down."
Alexis nodded, his expression hardened. "It's a message. They want us to know we're vulnerable—and they're coming for us."
Kuroda leaned forward, his tone low but commanding. "You must remain vigilant. Watch your surroundings, and notify Tess and Rarun immediately. This isn't just a threat; it's a coordinated effort to wipe you out. Until we know more, assume everyone in the Wave Order is a target."
The group left the Japan Government Headquarters, their thoughts heavy with the new information. The usually vibrant streets of Central Tokyo felt colder, the bustling crowds somehow ominous. Despite their unease, they decided to stop at a nearby restaurant for dinner before heading home.
The warm, inviting atmosphere of the restaurant provided a brief respite. They found a table in a quiet corner and ordered their meals, though the weight of their conversation from earlier lingered.
Carna took a sip of her beer, her tone uncharacteristically serious. "So, what's the plan, Boss? We can't just sit around waiting for these 'assassins' to come knocking."
Alexis, leaning back in his chair, rubbed his temples. "We can't rush into this blind. First, we inform Tess and Rarun. Then, we should set up magyk and mana defenses—both at the restaurant and at our homes. We need to be ready for anything."
Kalem frowned, poking at his food. "But how do we even fight something like this? They're faster than anything I've ever seen. It's like they're always one step ahead."
Seika nodded in agreement. "And if they can infuse their weapons with mana, who's to say they don't have other tricks up their sleeves?"
Ferni, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "To me, I think, they're playing a long game, testing our weaknesses. But they've underestimated us. If we work together, we can turn the tide."
Miz, ever composed, added, "Sir Alexis, perhaps we should develop a system for monitoring potential threats. Surveillance, patrols, and contingencies for emergencies. If we're proactive, we can minimize their advantage."
Alexis gave a small nod, his gaze focused. "You're right, Miz. This isn't just about survival—it's about strategy. If they're coming for us, we'll make sure they regret it."
Carna smirked, her confidence returning. "Damn right, Boss. Let's show these cowards who they're messing with."
As the group finished their meal and prepared to leave, Alexis felt a renewed sense of determination. The fight ahead wouldn't be easy, but with allies like these, he knew they stood a chance.
The assassin's message had been clear, but Alexis had a message of his own: he wasn't going down without a fight. And if they wanted a war, they'd get one.