Kai moved swiftly through the scorched wastelands surrounding the Abyssal Flame Ruins, his senses on high alert. Though he had escaped, the Crimson Serpent Syndicate would not let the matter rest. They had smelled the Emberroot Essence, and such a rare ingredient was worth more than gold to them.
As he navigated the rocky terrain, Kai controlled his breathing, ensuring that his presence remained concealed. His Stealth Footwork Technique allowed him to suppress his aura, but against elite trackers, it wouldn't hold forever.
The moment he reached a cave nestled within the cliffs, he slipped inside, pressing his back against the cold stone. He needed time to think—time to decide his next move.
The Emberroot Essence pulsed softly within his storage ring, its fiery warmth calling out. It was a treasure beyond compare, but right now, it was a beacon that would draw danger to him like a moth to a flame.
Then—
A faint rustle outside.
Kai's eyes sharpened.
Someone was near.
Silently, he pulled out a Blackmist Herb, crushing it between his fingers. The herb released a faint, camouflaging scent that masked his presence, blending him into the environment.
Seconds later, a figure in dark robes entered the cave. His steps were slow, calculated—a hunter tracking prey.
Kai recognized him instantly. One of the syndicate's elite enforcers.
The man stopped in the middle of the cave, his cold eyes scanning the darkness. His Spiritual Perception flared out, searching for any disturbance.
Kai remained perfectly still, his heart steady.
The enforcer frowned. "Strange... I could have sworn his tracks led here."
Kai resisted the urge to smirk. The Blackmist Herb was working.
But the man wasn't giving up. He drew a small beast bone whistle from his belt and blew into it softly. No sound came out—but Kai felt it.
A hidden detection pulse spread through the cave, pressing against his body.
Kai's eyes flickered. If he didn't move now, he'd be exposed.
With a sudden burst of speed, he shot forward, his knife flashing as he struck at the enforcer's throat.
The man reacted instantly, dodging backward, but not fast enough—Kai's blade sliced a thin line across his cheek.
The enforcer's eyes widened in shock. "You—!"
Kai didn't give him time to recover. He stepped in, delivering a precise kick to the man's wrist, knocking the whistle from his grasp.
The enforcer growled, drawing a curved dagger. His aura flared, revealing his High-Tier Combat Job Level—a Bloodshadow Assassin.
A deadly opponent.
Kai knew he couldn't afford a prolonged fight.
The moment the enforcer lunged, Kai sidestepped, using his superior agility to weave around the attack. With precise movements, he twisted his knife, delivering a counterstrike to the assassin's ribs.
Shhk!
The enforcer gasped as Kai's blade sank into his side.
But instead of retreating, he grinned.
"Got you."
Kai's instincts screamed at him.
Before he could pull back, the enforcer's other hand shot forward, gripping his wrist in an iron hold.
A deadly, red energy pulsed from the man's palm—Blood Curse Seal!
Kai's arm burned with searing pain as the cursed energy tried to latch onto his body. If it took hold, it would drain his stamina and mark him for the rest of the syndicate to track.
But Kai wasn't about to let that happen.
He twisted his body, using his free hand to slam a pressure point on the enforcer's neck. The man stiffened, his grip loosening just enough for Kai to break free.
With a final, ruthless strike, Kai drove his knee into the enforcer's gut, sending him crashing into the cave wall.
The Bloodshadow Assassin coughed up blood, his body twitching before finally going still.
Kai exhaled, shaking off the lingering pain in his arm. The curse hadn't fully taken hold, but he could still feel its corrosive energy clinging to his skin.
He had won this fight.
But the real battle was just beginning.
The Crimson Serpent Syndicate now knew he was more than just a wandering cook.
They wouldn't stop hunting him.
And Kai?
He was ready to fight back.