The assassin's blade came within an inch of Zenith's throat, but just before it struck, he twisted to the side, narrowly dodging the blow. The Wraith's cold eyes flashed with frustration, but Zenith could see the admiration behind them. He wasn't just a target; he was a challenge.
Zenith could feel the sweat dripping down his brow, the adrenaline pumping through his veins. This was no mere fight it was a test. One that would decide whether he would ascend to power or fall beneath the blade of this deadly figure. The Wraith was not just a man; he was an embodiment of the royal family's desperation. Zenith could sense the weight of their expectations in every movement the assassin made.
But Zenith wouldn't give them that satisfaction.
The Wraith lunged again, his blade slicing through the air with lightning speed. Zenith barely managed to parry with his own weapon, the clash of metal ringing out in the quiet of the room. His heart raced. His mind spun, calculating his next move. The assassin was relentless, not allowing a single moment of respite. His strikes were not just physical; they were an attempt to break Zenith's concentration, to force him into a corner.
Zenith's fingers tightened around his blade as he felt the tension in the air. This was it. He would either win this fight or die trying.
He summoned his energy.
A flash of blue light erupted from his body, crackling in the air like static before expanding outward in a powerful shockwave. The Wraith barely managed to avoid the brunt of it, but the sheer force sent him stumbling back. Zenith didn't waste a moment. He moved forward, his eyes locked onto the assassin with deadly focus.
"Impressive," The Wraith said, his voice muffled by his mask, but the underlying respect was evident. "You're stronger than I expected."
Zenith didn't reply. He was done talking. He wasn't here to prove his strength. He was here to survive.
The Wraith recovered quickly, his body moving with the grace of a predator. But Zenith was faster now, his movements more calculated. He wasn't just reacting anymore; he was anticipating the assassin's every move. For the first time since the fight began, he felt like he was in control.
The assassin lunged again, but this time Zenith was ready. With a swift motion, he deflected the blade and used the momentum to disarm the Wraith, sending the assassin's weapon skittering across the floor.
For a moment, they stood in silence, both breathing heavily, but neither willing to make the first move. Zenith could see the flicker of something like amusement in the assassin's eyes, but it was quickly replaced with something darker anger, perhaps, or perhaps the realization that Zenith was not the easy target he had hoped for.
"I've fought kings, lords, and warriors," the Wraith said, his tone shifting. "But you... You're different. You fight like someone who has nothing to lose."
Zenith narrowed his eyes. "And you fight like someone who's been sent to die."
The Wraith chuckled, a low, guttural sound. "We all have our orders. But you," he said, taking a step back, his body relaxed despite the tension in the air, "you're more than just a pawn in this game, Zenith. I'm starting to wonder if you're the one who's playing it."
Zenith's pulse quickened. "What are you talking about?"
The Wraith didn't answer immediately. He simply raised a gloved hand, gesturing for Zenith to follow his movements. "The king knows nothing of my true purpose here," he said, his tone almost conspiratorial. "My mission is not to kill you."
Zenith's eyes narrowed. "Then why are you here?"
The Wraith tilted his head. "I was sent to test you. To see if you are worthy of the throne. The king wants to know if you are strong enough to lead or if you will crumble like all the others."
Zenith stood still, absorbing the information. "And what if I pass your test?"
The Wraith stepped back into the shadows, his movements fluid. "Then I will leave you in peace... for now."
Zenith's mind raced. A test. This entire time, he had believed the assassin's presence was the royal family's last-ditch attempt to eliminate him. But now, it seemed as though the king wasn't so interested in killing him not yet. He wanted to see how far Zenith could go. To see if he had the mettle to truly take the throne.
Zenith clenched his fists. He had already been tested in countless ways. Betrayals, bloodshed, and endless schemes. But this... this was different. The king was playing a game he didn't fully understand yet. But Zenith would play it, and he would win.
---
[Villain System: Objective Complete]
+100 Reputation, +80 Influence
Zenith has survived the test of The Wraith, but the game is far from over. The true battle for the throne begins now.
---
Zenith watched as The Wraith disappeared into the darkness, his mind racing with the implications of what had just transpired. The royal family wasn't his only threat anymore. They were a challenge, yes but now, he was part of a far larger game. A game where the stakes were higher than ever before.
The king was testing him. And Zenith would show him exactly how much he was willing to sacrifice for power.