Daniel's eyes were still fixed on the black suit behind the glass — the S-tier combat outfit worn by the legendary vigilante known as the "Evil Ronin." But his focus was already drifting. The reflection in the glass had betrayed something unexpected.
Venessa.
She was hiding behind the same wall Daniel had taken cover behind earlier.
"Another variable," Daniel muttered in his mind, his gaze sharpening. "I don't trust her... not completely."
But he shook off the thought, drawing in a slow breath. No. Focus on the plot. That's what matters right now.
Turning to Alia, who stood near the artifact, he said casually, "I'm not that desperate to flirt with someone like you."
Alia blinked, stunned. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Daniel's tone didn't flinch. "You're not my type."
He turned away without waiting for a response, strolling further into the exhibit as if the conversation bored him.
Alia stood frozen, the words hitting her harder than she expected. Did this spoiled rich brat just reject me? she fumed internally.
Storming after him, she snapped, "What do you mean I'm not your type?"
Daniel bit back a laugh but managed to keep his expression straight. "I like smart, mature women," he said plainly, walking on.
Alia, now fuming, quickened her pace. "So you're saying I'm dumb?"
"I never said that," Daniel replied over his shoulder, not stopping.
"But that's exactly what you meant!"
Daniel finally stopped walking and turned to face her. His voice lowered, smooth with amusement. "Are you trying to flirt with me now?"
Alia's brows knit together in confusion. "What… What are you even saying?"
Daniel stepped closer, just enough to make her breath hitch. "I said you're not my type... because you're kind. You're beautiful. You're one of the top students here. People like you?" He paused, locking eyes with her. "You attract danger. And I have no interest in becoming some kind of thrill-seeking daredevil."
With that, he turned again and walked away, this time without looking back.
Alia didn't follow. She stood still, arms crossed, lips pressed into a puzzled line.
What… What did he just say? Was that an insult or a compliment?
"Ugh, what the hell was that even supposed to mean?" she muttered under her breath.
That's when a hand gently touched her shoulder.
It was Venessa.
"I didn't know you liked Daniel," she said softly, a curious glint in her eyes.
Alia rolled her eyes and snapped, "What are you even talking about? Why would I like him?"
Venessa raised an eyebrow, smirking. "The way you two were arguing? It didn't sound like that to me."
"That's ridiculous," Alia said instantly, her tone sharp.
Venessa let out a light laugh and teased, "Then why were you chasing after him?"
Alia looked incredulous. "Chasing? I wasn't chasing anyone!"
Before the conversation could escalate, a familiar voice broke through the noise.
"Alia?"
It was Justin.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, frowning slightly. "Weren't you supposed to stay near the artifact?"
Alia blinked and looked around, confused. "I—" she started to say something, but the words froze in her throat.
A sudden, blood-curdling scream pierced the air.
Everyone turned.
A man near the far end of the hall clutched his head, crying out in agony as two large black horns burst out of his skull. His skin darkened, cracking and hardening into a rough, crimson texture. His muscles bulged grotesquely, shredding through his shirt.
Alia stumbled back in shock.
Then another scream.
And another.
Two more people began transforming, their bodies writhing and breaking under the force of the change. Within seconds, three monstrous beings stood amidst the wreckage — Asuras.
Massive. Brutal. Roaring with rage.
Their unholy howls echoed through the museum as they tore through glass cases, displays, and statues. Panic swept through the crowd like wildfire. Visitors screamed, bolting toward the exits.
Justin's face hardened. He turned toward Alia. "I thought only one Asura was supposed to show up," he said, tension sharp in his voice.
Alia's face had gone pale. "I… I don't know. I—I swear—"
Fear was etched across her features, and the same terror had gripped Venessa, who stood frozen beside her.
Because now, all three Asuras were standing directly in front of them.
And they weren't here to talk.
Justin drew his sword with a steely glint in his eyes. "One or three… doesn't matter. We fight."
Alia and Venessa, hearing his words, nodded in unison. Their expressions turned serious as they prepared to battle.
---
Elsewhere in the museum...
In a quieter wing filled with ancient artifacts, four masked figures moved swiftly and silently. The once-bustling section was now deserted — civilians had already evacuated, and all the guards were occupied trying to handle the chaos erupting in the main hall.
One of the intruders smirked as he placed an explosive device on a cluster of CCTV cameras. BOOM! Sparks flew and the lenses shattered.
He let out a low, mocking laugh. "Did they really think a few guards could stop us from stealing this artifact? Pathetic."
"Shut it," another snapped. "Focus on the job."
The team leader nodded to a tall figure, who immediately grabbed a glowing relic from its stand — a pulsing orb encased in a strange metallic frame.
They turned to run.
But just as the artifact bearer sprinted ahead… a gust of wind cut through the hallway like a blade.
Without warning, the man's stride slowed… and then stopped altogether.
His eyes widened. His limbs trembled. Something was wrong.
The others, too busy engaging a few returning guards, didn't notice.
Until it was too late.
A shadow stepped into the dim light.
Daniel.
He was wearing the Legendary Evil Ronin's ninja suit. A black mask covered most of his face, and his eyes gleamed with cunning mischief.
"Thanks for the delivery," he whispered with a smirk.
In a flash, he snatched the artifact from the man's hand and slipped it into a hidden pocket.
The man could do nothing but stare, frozen. Struggling. Paralyzed.
And then, Daniel vanished as swiftly as he had appeared, his cloak flickering with shadow magic.
When the remaining three attackers finally defeated the guards and turned back —
—they found their comrade unconscious, slumped against the wall. Blood trickled from his neck.
One of them rushed over, kneeling beside him. He checked the man's pulse and examined the wound.
"It's not too deep," he said grimly, "but… I think it's poisoned. If we don't get him out of here fast, he's not going to make it."
The man — most likely the leader of the group — narrowed his eyes and muttered, "Whoever injured him must still be nearby."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and stalked forward, scanning the shadows.
Suddenly, without warning, he lunged at a seemingly empty wall—
—only for Daniel to leap out from the other side, narrowly dodging the ambush.
Now, the two men stood face to face.
Daniel's eyes flickered with tension. He actually found me?
So… my stealth skill isn't as good as I thought. Maybe I do need to level up.
He didn't have time to dwell on the thought—
The man dashed toward him, his fist flying through the air like a missile.
Daniel barely dodged, twisting his body and flipping backward to create distance.
The man came again. And again. Blow after blow. Ruthless. Precise. Relentless.
Daniel didn't fight back. Not yet. He focused on evasion, on survival—until suddenly—
A powerful strike came, too fast to dodge.
Daniel crossed his arms in front of him, blocking just in time. The impact sent him flying several feet through the air before he crashed hard onto the cold marble floor.
The man chuckled darkly as he unsheathed a long, black-edged sword from his back.
"This little game was fun," he said, his voice laced with menace, "but now… it's time to finish it."
Daniel groaned, pushing himself up from the ground. His arms stinging from the blow.
But his eyes? Still sharp. Still smiling.
He straightened, brushing dust from his shoulder.
"The game… is just getting started."
With that, he reached into his coat and drew a gleaming dagger — one etched with ancient symbols pulsing in a faint blue light.
The air between them thickened.
Round two was about to begin.