Kai barely had time to brace himself as the silver-haired assassin came at him with even greater speed. Her twin daggers blurred in the moonlight, striking with lethal precision.
He moved instinctively, dodging left, then right, twisting his body to avoid the deadly arcs of her blades. But her footwork was impeccable—every time he evaded, she adjusted, her attacks flowing like water, forcing him into a defensive dance.
Kai's knife clashed against her daggers, each impact sending sharp vibrations through his arm.
She was testing him.
Every exchange felt like she was measuring his limits, probing his reactions.
And Kai knew—if he didn't do something soon, she'd overwhelm him.
His grip tightened around his knife.
"Fine," he muttered. "Let's see if you can keep up."
With a sharp inhale, he activated Flame Burst Step, pushing his body beyond its normal limits. A burst of heat surged through his muscles, propelling him forward.
His sudden acceleration caught her off guard.
For the first time, he was on the offensive.
Kai's knife slashed downward, and though she parried, the force of the strike pushed her back. He followed up instantly, spinning into a reverse cut aimed at her ribs.
She dodged, but not completely—his blade skimmed her side, leaving a thin cut.
A single drop of blood trailed down her waist.
She froze.
Kai didn't lower his guard. A true assassin wouldn't falter over a small wound.
Then, to his surprise, she smiled.
"You really are something," she murmured.
Her grip on her daggers tightened.
"I suppose it's only fair," she continued, "that I take this fight seriously now."
Kai's breath hitched.
She wasn't serious before?
Then—
She vanished.
Kai barely registered the movement before pain flared across his shoulder.
Her dagger had already cut him.