Kyle strode down the dimly lit corridor, his movements smooth and unhurried, like a shadow gliding over the ground.
The faint pulse of mana guided him forward, leading him to a simple wooden door at the end of the hallway.
He knocked once, a polite, almost lazy tap against the surface.
No response.
Kyle's eyelid twitched slightly.
"Tch. How rude."
He lifted his hand again, this time pressing his palm flat against the wood. A pulse of mana surged outward—
CRACK—!
The door snapped open violently, swinging so hard it slammed into the wall, causing dust to shake loose from the ceiling.
Inside, the innkeeper jolted in alarm, nearly tipping over his chair. His round face twisted in shock before contorting into an ugly expression of rage and panic.
"W-What the hell—"
His eyes darted to the wall, where a dusty old sword hung on a rusted hook. In one swift motion, he snatched it down, gripping the hilt with both hands.
