The message kept replaying in my head all night.
"If you want to know the truth about Minato, meet me tomorrow. Alone."
Which, if you ask me, is about as suspicious as a stranger offering you free candy from a van.
Still... I went.
The meeting spot was an old warehouse down by the Sumida River. Abandoned, drafty and perfect for either secret deals or organ harvesting.
I arrived early, staying in the shadows. Blood Scent was quiet, no injured enemies nearby, but that didn't mean I was alone.
Footsteps echoed. A figure stepped into the light filtering through a cracked window. Hood up, face hidden.
"You're Rian Wale?" the voice was male, smooth, too casual for this setting.
"That depends" I said. "Are you here to give me answers or sell me life insurance?"
He didn't laugh. "You cleared the Minato dungeon. I want to know how."
I tilted my head. "I thought you were going to tell me the truth."
A pause.
Then his hand twitched, a signal.
From the shadows, three more figures appeared, blades in hand. Not hunters, mercenaries, the kind that smelled like desperation and cheap cigarettes.
So, a setup. Color me shocked.
"Last chance, Wale" Hooded Man said. "How'd you do it?"
I sighed. "Fine. I'll tell you. Step in real close so I can whisper it."
He leaned forward. I smiled.
"Spatial Rift Step."
I vanished and reappeared behind him, my new sword's edge resting just under his ribs.
"Rule one of ambushes" I said, voice low. "Don't pick someone faster than you."
The first merc charged, swinging a cleaver. I sidestepped, Steelhide soaking the glancing blow, then buried my blade in his gut.
[Choose skill: Venom Slash or Endurance Boost.]
Venom Slash. Always fun to make your enemies regret living for those last few seconds.
Two more came at me together. I darted between them, cutting one's hamstring, then twisting to slash the other across the arm, Blood Scent flaring with the scent of their injuries.
Kazuo's sword really was more efficient. I'd have to thank him properly later.
Hooded Man backed toward the door, panic flashing. I appeared in front of him in a blink, Rift Step again and drove him into the wall with one hand on his throat.
"Who sent you?" I asked.
"You... you'll die for this..." he rasped.
I tightened my grip. "Yeah, but not today."
When it was over, the warehouse was quiet again. I pulled up my status window.
[Levelup: 9 > 10]
[NewSkill: Venom Slash — Infuse your weapon with poison, dealing damage over time.]
Looking better and better.
As I stepped outside, my phone buzzed again.
Aya: Hey, I know this is last-minute, but are you free tomorrow? I want to talk.
I smirked. "Sure, Aya. Let's talk."
Something told me tomorrow was going to be interesting.