The night sky burned red as the flames from the explosion reflected off the academy's towering spires. Students and professors alike scrambled for safety, their terrified screams filling the once-peaceful corridors. The attack was not just an assassination attempt—it was an act of war.
Ethan stood firm amidst the chaos, his eyes locked onto Aldric, who grinned smugly at the destruction around them. The masked figures flanking him were not ordinary mercenaries. They radiated bloodlust, their presence suffocating.
"You truly don't know when to quit," Aldric sneered, unsheathing his blade. "Even with your ridiculous persistence, you're still just an F-rank. Why fight?"
Ethan exhaled slowly, his muscles coiled like a predator ready to strike. "Because you won't stop until I'm dead," he replied, rolling his shoulders. "And I have no intention of dying."
Aldric's grin widened. "Then let's end this."
The Clash of Titans
The first masked assassin lunged at Ethan with inhuman speed, his dagger flashing under the moonlight. Ethan's instincts kicked in, his body moving before his mind processed the threat. He sidestepped at the last moment, his footwork precise thanks to Iron Stride (50%). His counterattack was immediate—a powerful right hook that connected with the assassin's ribs, sending him skidding across the ground.
Another opponent swung at him from behind, but Ethan ducked low and delivered a crushing elbow strike to the attacker's gut. The masked figure crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain. But before Ethan could follow up, Aldric stepped in, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision.
Ethan barely dodged in time, feeling the sharp edge of the blade graze his shoulder. Blood trickled down his arm, but he didn't falter. Instead, he smirked. Pain was nothing new to him.
Seraphina and Serene joined the fray, their weapons flashing as they engaged the assassins. Seraphina's blade danced with lethal precision, while Serene's wind magic sent enemies flying back. The battlefield became a chaotic dance of steel and sorcery, yet Ethan focused solely on Aldric.
"You're stronger than I expected," Aldric admitted, his eyes narrowing. "But strength without mana? It's worthless."
Ethan smirked. "Funny, because you're the one struggling to kill me."
Aldric's expression darkened, and with a flick of his wrist, a chilling aura spread from his blade. Frost crept along the ground, and the air became deathly cold.
Frost Domain.
The moment Ethan's feet touched the frozen ground, he felt his movements slow. The ice sapped his mobility, limiting his agility. Aldric took advantage, lunging with blinding speed, his blade aiming straight for Ethan's heart.
But Ethan had been preparing for this.
Unbreakable Resolve
Titan's Ascent (Progress: 35%)
A surge of power coursed through his legs, his strength momentarily doubling. Instead of dodging, Ethan met Aldric's attack head-on, planting his foot firmly against the frozen ground. The ice beneath him cracked under the force of his stance.
Ethan caught Aldric's blade with his bare hand.
Aldric's eyes widened in shock. "What—"
Ethan didn't let him finish. He twisted his grip, shattering the blade's icy edge. Then, with a brutal knee to the gut, he sent Aldric flying backward. The vice president coughed violently, clutching his stomach as he staggered to his feet.
Seraphina and Serene had dispatched most of the assassins by now, leaving only a few standing. Realizing their leader was struggling, the remaining attackers hesitated.
Ethan took a deep breath, his body screaming from exertion, but he refused to falter. His fists were covered in his own blood, yet he stood tall.
"You lost the moment you underestimated me," he said, stepping forward.
Aldric's fury boiled over. "This isn't over," he spat. "You have no idea what's coming."
Then, in a blur of frost, he vanished into the night, leaving behind only the lingering chill of his magic.
Ethan didn't pursue. He knew this was just the beginning.
A New Enemy Awakens
As the flames continued to rage, a new presence emerged from the shadows. A lone figure stood on the rooftop, watching the battle unfold with amusement. Draped in a cloak darker than night, their crimson eyes glowed eerily.
"Interesting," the figure murmured. "He's even more troublesome than expected."
With a soft chuckle, they turned and disappeared into the darkness.
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. He didn't know who that was, but he had no doubt.
A far greater threat was looming on the horizon.
To be continued…