Phillip's eyes widened in horror when he sensed two figures appear out of nowhere.
What truly shocked him was not their sudden presence, but the terrifying fact that he had not detected them at all. There was no fluctuation, no warning, nothing. They had simply existed within his blind spot.
A cold shiver crawled up his spine as instinct screamed danger.
"Kekkeekke!"
A sharp, mocking laugh echoed through the night air, scraping against the nerves like rusted metal.
"Foolish assassin, you said, right?"
Another voice followed, slow and cruel.
"It's you who is foolish."
"It's over!"
Phillip turned to reposition himself, but the man he thought was already neutralized suddenly shot up from the ground like a snake striking its prey. The dagger in his hand flashed toward Phillip's chest, carrying killing intent.
Phillip reacted on pure instinct. He slashed his sword sideways, steel screaming as it collided with the dagger. Sparks burst outward, lighting up his grim face.
