The air inside the Blade Chamber grew thick with tension. The polished obsidian walls seemed to close in as the three killers advanced, each step echoing like a death knell.
Justin didn't flinch. Neither did Matilda.
A heavy silence fell, as if the game itself held its breath, waiting.
Then, the leader's laugh shattered the stillness—a cruel, guttural sound that reverberated off the black walls.
"You two think you're special? Just lucky clearing Floor One. Real players? We kill to climb."
Justin's lips curled into a cold smile as he flicked his blade with effortless grace.
"Funny," he said softly, "I was thinking the same about you."
That was the spark.
The largest of the trio—the axe-wielder with the fiery mohawk and glowing red gauntlets—charged like a demon unleashed.
"You're first, rat!"
Justin didn't wait for the impact.
He vanished.
Shadow Step: Activated.
In a blink, he was behind the attacker.
"Too slow."
His dagger flashed—a whisper of death slicing through the air.
Deathline Slash: Activated.
A shadowy streak carved a nearly invisible arc. Then, trailing afterimages followed—three slashes cutting into the attacker's side, hip, and exposed back.
Critical Hit – 139 Damage.
Shadow Trace Activated – Additional Damage: 92.
The axe-wielder howled, staggering to one knee, blood pooling beneath him.
Matilda moved like a tempest.
Her chain dagger unfurled with a sharp whistle, spinning wildly as she danced between the two remaining opponents. The first raised a curved longsword, trying to block—only for her chain to split mid-air, four hooked tips latching onto his leg before yanking him down.
"You wanna dance?" she hissed, eyes blazing. "Let's see your footwork."
Her blade bit down twice, then she flipped gracefully, slamming it into his throat.
Fatal Strike – Player Eliminated.
A crimson pulse shimmered as his body de-rezzed into glowing fragments. Coins scattered across the floor like fallen stars.
"One down," Matilda panted, wiping sweat from her brow. "How's your side?"
Justin kicked the mohawked attacker's weapon away and pressed the dagger cold against his throat.
"You're done."
"W-Wait—" the man stammered, eyes wild with fear. "Don't kill me! I'll drop my gear—everything! Just let me respawn!"
Justin's gaze hardened, cold as obsidian.
"You knew the rules."
"Please—!"
"This world doesn't do mercy."
Critical Execution – Player Eliminated.
The last killer—a trembling figure, clearly their mage—backed away, voice cracking.
"I—I didn't sign up for this! I was just—They told me—!"
Matilda's chain snapped forward, whipping toward his staff like a striking viper.
Justin moved like a shadow, pinning the mage against the wall, blade at his neck.
"Who sent you?"
"No one! I swear! We just heard about a rare drop on this floor. That's all!"
Justin's eyes narrowed, piercing.
"You sure?"
"YES!"
Matilda stepped closer, arms crossed, eyes sharp as daggers.
"He's lying."
The mage whimpered, voice barely a whisper.
"We're not alone. Floor Two's crawling with PvP guilds—some aren't even players. They're... pros."
Justin's jaw tightened.
"Pro assassins?"
"Contracts. Rich players in the real world hire killers to thin the competition before they rise."
The silence hung between them like a guillotine's blade.
Matilda's voice was low, bitter. "So that's what this is. A death game with sponsors."
Justin stared at the mage a moment longer, then sheathed his dagger.
"Go."
"W-What?"
"I said go. Before I change my mind."
The mage didn't wait. He bolted for the cracked exit door, disappearing into the shadows.
Silence settled over the chamber.
Matilda exhaled softly.
"That was merciful."
Justin shook his head.
"No," he said quietly. "It was strategic. Fear is a weapon too. He'll spread the word."
"About what?"
Justin turned, blade sliding back into its sheath with a faint hum.
"That the Lethal Assassin isn't someone you mess with."
[System Notification]
Player Reputation: Increased – Infamy Gained
Your name now appears on Floor Two's Player-Kill Watchlist
[Warning: Bounty placed on your head – 500 Gold]
New Achievement: Assassin's Mark (Rare)
→ +3 Agility
→ +1 Critical Chance
→ Title Bonus: Hidden steps make less sound within 10 meters of enemies
Matilda checked her own notifications, eyebrows raising.
"So… now we're targets."
Justin's voice was calm, but hard as steel.
"We were always targets. Now they'll just come faster."
She smirked, shaking her head. "You always this calm after killing people?"
His eyes, dark and steady, met hers.
"Only when it's necessary."
She nodded slowly.
"Alright. Assassin and Ballerina, then. I've had worse partners."
A faint smirk tugged at Justin's lips.
"Let's not make it permanent. Partnerships don't end well in worlds like this."
Matilda laughed, sharp and warm.
"Then we survive long enough to prove that wrong."
(To Be Continued ....)