CHAPTER 64: CH-64

I’ve always wanted to say something badass like that. Now I get why so many heroes throw out a line or two before a fight — it just feels right.

’Shadow Manipulation’

I switched from wielding two daggers to just one. F. Castle was far more skilled with a single blade, which made sense. I doubt the military ever trained anyone to dual wield.

To make up for my short range, I expanded it. Now it was half the size of

"So, yours is a creation-type ability, huh," the figure murmured. "You really covered your tracks well. Our informants only reported you as a D-rank—an enhanced-physical type."

I gave my new weapon a few swings. It flowed with me perfectly, like an extension of my body.

"What can I say? I prefer to stay under the radar," I replied, raising my dagger and steadying my wrist for better control. It was a standard military stance.

’Resonance’

’Qi Breathing’

My awareness of the environment sharpened, and my vision — already keen in the dark became even clearer. My ears picked up the faintest sounds, and there it was: Ellie’s footsteps behind me.

She slipped back into the restaurant, joining the others in hiding.

There was no way I could protect everyone right now, so I instructed her to get away from me in secret. Fortunately, it seemed I was the primary target.

"You... your whole demeanor has changed," the figure said, becoming more guarded.

"Sure, because everyone would totally act normal if an assassin with a katana that long was after them."

"But you still talk too much!" He clicked his tongue in annoyance and launched himself at me.

SWOOOOSH!

No time to breathe—his katana came for me, a silver flash aiming to split me in half.

I didn’t trust my dagger to take that hit, so I jumped back. The blade tore through the spot I just been standing, carving a clean line across the floor.

Before I could even blink, his blade flashed again. I raised my dagger across my chest—steel met steel with a thunderous crack, and the shockwave launched me through the air.

Ten steps—that’s how far I’d been pushed back. My hands trembled, and for a moment I wondered if a speeding motorcycle hit me.

If not for my shadow weapon absorbing most of the impact, I’d have been sent flying off the balcony.

So this was what a real life-and-death situation felt like.

Unlike the simulation, there were no retries here. One slip, and I was done. My blood ran hot, adrenaline surging through my veins.

’I need to focus.’

Whoever he was, he wasn’t some run-of-the-mill assassin. That speed alone proved he wasn’t human.

A seeker. Probably B-rank... maybe even A.

SWOOOOSH!

He went for another attack. I maintained my composure and took a deep breath, using my Qi to heighten my senses.

"Now."

I twisted at the last possible second. Pain shot up my shoulder as his blade grazed me, but the motion opened a narrow gap.

I lunged with my dagger toward his abdomen—only for it to clang against metal.

’Tch—armor under your clothes? Real fair, asshole.’

I hurriedly leapt back, barely dodging his counter, but it only bought m a few seconds. He was already on me again, using his reach advantage to keep me in check.

clang!

clang!

clang!

Soon, I was locked in high speed close combat with him. His swings came faster and faster, pushing my reactions to the limit.

My dagger took repeated hits, denting and nearly breaking, forcing me to repair it constantly in the midst of the fight.

However, I was dealing with more than the threat before me.

I could feel it—the Qi that had been stagnant until now was boiling up. On any other day, I would be elated in this breakthrough, but now I had to hold it back.

’Shadow Veil.’

My form warped, shadows swelling around me, twisting my outline just enough to throw him off. His blade passed through my shoulder too easily.

That split-second of surprise was all I needed .I struck, a kick to the gut while the shadows misled his eyes.

"My turn!"

My dagger rattled in my grip and my muscles burned, every strike fueled by excess Qi. It was a dangerous strategy that could backfire at any moment.

clang!

clang!

clang!

Each strike landed in quick succession. He tried to block with his katana and defensive skill, but my relentless barrage broke through.

Blood splattered across the ground — his blood, to be exact.

He kicked off the ground, flipping backward to create space. I rushed in to press the attack, but his next strike was already coming—I was a heartbeat too slow.

clang!

His strike crushed through my guard and launched me backward. My dagger was destroyed, and agony erupted in my wounded chest.

Quickly, I hid the blood with my veil. I couldn’t afford to show any weakness right now.

’What the hell was that attack? I didn’t even see it,’

I gritted my teeth through the pain. Good thing I had the mask to hide my face—otherwise, he would have seen right through my act.

"You actually survived one of my strongest skill ," the figure remarked.

"That’s your best shot?" I sneered, forcing down the pain. "Come on, you’ll have to hit harder than that—it barely tickled."

What a load of crap. Still, I don’t really have the luxury to be picky of my means right now.

The two of us sized each other up. On the surface, we seemed evenly matched, but if he unleashed another unavoidable attack, I’d be forced to use my evil Qi.

I hated to admit it, but I didn’t want to use that state. Not yet, not when it might consume me.

"For a dog, you’ve got guts—but that’s all." His hand twitched on the hilt of his weapon. "Your abilities are surprisingly strong, but you lack experience."

With his sword back in its sheath, he planted his feet and changed into a drawing stance.

Shit. This was such a cliche move straight out of an anime. I could already imagine lightning shooting from his blade after he muttered ’Izanagi’, and drew it.

I really wished it wasn’t the case. Any move that has lightning on it was bound to be very powerful.

Calm down. I have been relying too much on close combat—on my daggers. But is that all I am? Think. Who am I, really?

That’s right!

What truly set me apart wasn’t my Shadow ability—it was my imagination.

"I’m done playing." I rolled my shoulder and took a step forward. "I was holding back, hiding my true power... but you just had to ruin that."

My shadow writhed and stretched, mirroring the deadly intent in my glowing green eyes. I lifted both hands, and pistols solidified in my grip.

"I’m not done yet."

On either side of me, twin black Gatling guns rose on mounted stands, sliding into place with a heavy metallic grind. Each one was massive, easily the size of a full-grown adult.

The truth though? These weapons were all for show — and nothing else.

"Let’s see who’s faster — your sword or my bullets."

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Author’s Note: The second Chapter will be posted a bit late due to technical issues. Thank you for understanding.