The Abyssal Beast roared, its obsidian-like carapace gleaming under the eerie blue light of the Rift. It towered over both Ethan and the assassin, its multiple crimson eyes gleaming with hunger. The sheer pressure it emitted was suffocating.
Ethan clenched his fists, blood still dripping from his side where the assassin's dagger had landed moments ago. The pain burned, but he pushed it aside. This wasn't the time to worry about wounds.
The assassin, now standing beside him, had also shifted into a defensive stance. Her twin daggers were reversed in her grip, and her breathing was slow and steady.
"Tch." She clicked her tongue, frustration clear in her voice. "Of all times for this thing to show up."
Ethan smirked despite the situation. "Hey, if you wanted to kill me, now's your chance. Just let that thing do the work."
The assassin didn't even glance at him. "That thing will kill both of us if we don't take it down first."
"Fair point." Ethan cracked his knuckles. "Then let's do this."
The beast lunged.
A shockwave erupted as its massive claw slammed into the ground where they had stood just seconds earlier. Ethan and the assassin barely managed to evade, leaping in opposite directions. The impact sent chunks of rock and dust flying.
[Passive Ability: Iron Stride Activated]—Agility Boosted—Improved Reflexes
Ethan moved swiftly, his instincts sharpening. He dashed toward the beast, aiming for its legs, but before he could strike, a massive tail whipped toward him.
Damn—
He barely managed to block with his forearms, but the sheer force sent him flying backward, crashing into a jagged rock formation.
"Ugh…" He coughed, shaking off the impact.
The assassin took advantage of the opening. In a blur, she closed the distance, her daggers flashing in the dim light. She moved like a shadow, her strikes precise and deadly.
Clang! Clang!
Her blades skidded off the creature's hardened exterior, barely leaving a scratch.
Ethan groaned. "Oh, great. It's one of those monsters."
The assassin gritted her teeth. "Its armor is too thick. We need to find a weak spot."
Ethan studied the creature as it turned toward her. Despite its enormous size, it moved surprisingly fast, its movements erratic yet powerful.
Then he saw it.
The glowing cracks along its chest. Small fractures pulsing with energy.
"There!" Ethan shouted, pointing at the weak spot. "We need to hit it there!"
The assassin hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Fine. But you'd better keep up."
Ethan smirked. "Try me."
The beast roared again, its massive form lunging toward them.
This time, they attacked together.
The assassin was a blur, weaving between the beast's attacks, looking for an opening. Ethan, on the other hand, used brute force, smashing his fists against its limbs, trying to create an opening.
[Passive Ability: Colossus Rebirth Activated]—Damage Reduction: 40%—Increased Endurance
Even as the beast's strikes grazed him, his body withstood the blows. He wasn't invincible, but he could take far more punishment than most.
"Now!" The assassin's voice rang out.
Ethan didn't hesitate.
Using Iron Stride, he launched himself forward at full speed. The assassin leaped onto his back mid-motion, using him as a platform to propel herself even higher.
She twisted midair, her daggers aimed directly at the glowing cracks on the beast's chest.
SHINK!
Her blades sank deep into the weak point, piercing the core. The beast howled in agony, its body convulsing violently.
Ethan wasn't about to let this chance slip away.
With a powerful leap, he grabbed onto the creature's chest, his fists glowing with raw strength.
"Stay down, you oversized freak!"
With all his might, he slammed his fist directly into the wound.
CRACK!
The beast let out an ear-splitting shriek. A surge of energy erupted from its core, and then—
Silence.
The massive creature trembled before finally collapsing, its massive form crumbling into the abyssal ground.
Ethan landed with a heavy thud, breathing hard.
The assassin stood a few feet away, her expression unreadable as she wiped her daggers clean.
"That was reckless," she said.
Ethan chuckled. "Yeah? But it worked."
She didn't argue. Instead, she studied him for a moment before sheathing her weapons. "You're stronger than I expected."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "So, what now? You gonna try to kill me again?"
She hesitated, then sighed. "…No. Not right now."
Ethan smirked. "That's reassuring."
She turned away, as if contemplating something. Then, after a moment, she spoke. "Eline. My name is Eline Alexander."
Ethan blinked. "Huh?"
"I figure you deserve to know the name of the assassin who was sent to kill you."
Ethan grinned. "Well, that's… oddly polite."
Eline rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it."
But Ethan wasn't paying attention. His focus was on the deep gash running along her shoulder. Blood trickled down her arm, staining her dark clothing.
"You're injured," he pointed out.
She shrugged. "It's nothing."
"Yeah, no." Ethan stepped forward. "I don't care if you tried to kill me or not. You need treatment."
Eline frowned. "I don't need your help."
Ethan ignored her protests, grabbing some cloth from his pack. "Yeah, well, too bad."
Before she could react, he gently wrapped the cloth around her wound, tying it securely.
Eline stiffened but didn't resist.
"…You're an idiot," she muttered.
Ethan smirked. "So I've been told."
For a moment, they stood in silence, the eerie glow of the Rift casting long shadows around them.
Finally, Eline spoke again. "Why?"
Ethan tilted his head. "Why what?"
"Why help me?" Her voice was quieter now. "After everything?"
Ethan thought about it. Then he shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe I just don't like seeing people suffer."
Eline stared at him, her expression unreadable.
Then, for the first time, a small, almost imperceptible smile crossed her lips.
"You really are an idiot," she said again, but this time, there was no malice in her tone.
Ethan grinned. "Glad we're on the same page."
As they stood there, something shifted between them. Eline's gaze softened—just for a moment—before she turned away.
"This isn't over," she said. "But… for now, I'll follow you."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is this the part where the assassin falls in love with me?"
Eline scoffed. "Not a chance."
Ethan shrugged. "Guess I'll just have to wait and see."
Little did he know, Eline's heart had already begun to waver.
To be continued…