The air was thick with tension. Even as Ray walked through the city streets, he could feel it—eyes watching him, tracking his every move.
Liana walked beside him, her posture stiff. She felt it too.
"They're here," she muttered under her breath.
Ray smirked. "Took them long enough."
After the Elders' declaration, he knew it was only a matter of time before someone came after him. The moment he became a marked threat, the game changed.
And now, the hunt had begun.
Valen had warned him about the assassins, but Ray wasn't afraid. He was ready.
....
The streets of Vaelora's capital were alive with merchants and travelers, the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread mixing with the crisp evening air.
But Ray wasn't fooled by the normalcy.
His senses sharpened. There.
A flicker of movement in the crowd—too smooth, too precise. Professionals.
Liana grabbed his wrist. "Three on the rooftops, two in the alley."
Ray grinned. "Only five?"
She rolled her eyes. "They're testing you. If you survive, more will come."
Ray cracked his neck. "Then let's give them a reason to be scared."
The First Strike
A gust of wind. A shift in the shadows.
Then—they moved.
A dagger shot toward Ray's throat from the alley. He twisted his body, the blade missing by inches. A second assassin lunged from behind, twin daggers flashing.
Ray's sword sang as he unsheathed it in one fluid motion.
Clang!
His blade met theirs, sparks flying as steel clashed. The assassin's eyes widened—Ray was faster than expected.
Too bad for him.
Ray spun, slamming his elbow into the assassin's ribs before driving his knee into their chest. The figure crumpled, unconscious before they hit the ground.
Liana, meanwhile, vanished.
A flicker of golden energy, a blur of movement—then blood sprayed.
One of the rooftop assassins fell, a deep gash across their chest. Liana landed gracefully, her sword gleaming under the moonlight.
The remaining three hesitated.
Ray smirked. "Not so confident anymore?"
One assassin snarled, forming a hand sign. "Kill him now!"
Big mistake.
Ray's instincts screamed. He felt the shift in the air—the assassin was activating a spell.
But Ray wasn't about to let him finish.
Void Stride.
His body blurred, the world around him distorting as he stepped through space. One second he was five feet away—the next, he was in front of his target.
The assassin's eyes widened in shock. "Wha—"
Ray drove his sword through the man's shoulder before twisting the hilt and sending him flying into a wall.
Liana finished the last two with ruthless efficiency, and within moments, it was over.
The assassins lay in the street, either unconscious or groaning in pain.
Ray exhaled, his heart still racing from the thrill.
Liana wiped her blade. "Well, that was eventful."
Ray chuckled. "And this was just the start."
She sighed. "You attract trouble like a magnet."
Ray sheathed his sword, stepping over the fallen assassins. "Then let's see how much they can handle."
Because if they thought this was enough to kill him—they were in for a rude awakening.
.....
The aftermath of the ambush left the streets eerily silent. Blood painted the cobblestones, and the bodies of the assassins lay scattered, some unconscious, others groaning in agony.
Ray rolled his shoulders, the rush of battle still thrumming in his veins. He glanced at Liana, who wiped her blade clean with a practiced motion.
"That was fun," he said, smirking.
She shot him a glare. "Fun? You're unbelievable."
Before Ray could respond, Valen appeared from the shadows, his expression grim.
"You shouldn't be standing around," he said. "There are always more."
Ray crossed his arms. "Let them come."
Valen ignored him, stepping over the fallen assassins to inspect them. He knelt beside one and pulled down their mask. His expression darkened.
"This isn't good."
Liana frowned. "You recognize them?"
Valen nodded. "They're not just any assassins. They belong to The Black Veil."
Ray raised an eyebrow. "Never heard of them."
"You wouldn't," Valen said. "They operate in the dark, eliminating threats to the empire before they become too powerful." He looked at Ray. "Which means someone high up has already decided you're a danger."
Ray exhaled slowly. So, it's already come to this.
.....
Valen stood, his eyes sharp. "We need to leave. Now."
Ray scoffed. "I just finished warming up."
Liana sighed. "Ray, don't be reckless. We've already drawn too much attention."
Ray sheathed his sword, his smirk fading. "Fine. But I'm not running."
They moved quickly, weaving through the streets until they reached a quiet district near the city's outer edges. It was one of Valen's safe houses—a small, unassuming building tucked between merchant stalls.
Inside, the air was stale, the wooden floor creaking under their steps. Valen bolted the door behind them.
"We have a problem," he said, turning to face them. "The Black Veil doesn't act without orders from the empire's inner council. That means someone in power sees you as a threat."
Ray leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Let me guess. The Emperor?"
Valen shook his head. "Not necessarily. The Empire is vast, and there are many factions at play."
Liana sat on the edge of a worn table, deep in thought. "If the Black Veil is involved, then this isn't just about the tournament anymore."
Ray nodded. They weren't targeting a competitor. They were targeting a future threat.
Valen rubbed his temples. "If they failed to kill you tonight, they'll escalate. We need a plan."
Ray smirked. "Simple. I'll win the tournament and make it clear that I'm not an enemy."
Liana scoffed. "Because that always works."
Ray shrugged. "It's better than hiding."
Valen sighed. "Winning isn't enough. You need allies."
Ray narrowed his eyes. "You mean nobles?"
Valen nodded. "The right connections can keep you alive longer than your sword can."
Ray clicked his tongue. He hated politics. He hated relying on people. But he wasn't foolish enough to ignore the truth.
Liana looked at him. "What do you want to do?"
Ray took a deep breath. If they want to play this game, fine.
He grinned. "Then let's make some noise."
Liana frowned. "What are you planning?"
Ray's eyes gleamed. "If the empire wants to test me, I'll give them a reason to pay attention."
Valen groaned. "I don't like that look."
Ray pushed off the wall. "Time to crash a noble's party."
....
The next evening, Ray stood before the towering gates of the Verdant Manor, home to one of the empire's most influential noble families.
The estate was massive, with sprawling gardens and golden lanterns lighting the stone pathways. Laughter and music drifted from within.
Liana adjusted her elegant attire—a deep blue dress that complemented her golden hair. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."
Ray smirked. "It's a good look for you."
She rolled her eyes. "Try to act civilized."
Valen, dressed in a dark noble's coat, sighed. "This is a terrible idea."
Ray adjusted the high collar of his own formal outfit—black and silver, with a hint of crimson. "Relax. We're just here to make friends."
Valen muttered, "With potential enemies."
Ray grinned. Exactly.
They stepped through the gates, blending into the sea of aristocrats.
Ray could already feel the eyes on him.
The marked threat had arrived.
And the game was just beginning.