Kai's heartbeat quickened as the silver-haired assassin revealed her second dagger. A dual-blade fighter meant double the attack angles, double the speed, and double the danger.
She didn't give him time to think.
With a sudden burst of movement, she closed the distance between them in an instant, her daggers flashing like twin streaks of silver.
Kai barely had time to react. He twisted his body to dodge the first strike, but the second blade came from the opposite angle, forcing him to block with his knife.
Clang!
The force of the impact sent a sharp vibration through his wrist. She's faster than before.
Her footwork was flawless, her attacks relentless. Every move flowed into the next seamlessly, leaving no openings.
Kai gritted his teeth. He couldn't fight her directly—she was too skilled.
But that didn't mean he was helpless.
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a small vial to the ground.
Puff!
A thick, spicy smoke exploded around them, filled with Crimson Ember Pepper Powder—an irritant so strong it could make breathing feel like swallowing fire.
The assassin reacted instantly, leaping backward out of the smoke.
But Kai was already moving.
Using Flame Burst Step, he shot forward, aiming a precise slash at her exposed side.
She barely had time to parry, but Kai wasn't aiming for a direct hit.
Clang!
The moment her dagger deflected his blade, Kai twisted his wrist, redirecting the force into a sweeping kick.
Thud!
The kick struck her side, sending her staggering back.
It wasn't enough to take her down, but it was the first clean hit he had landed.
She exhaled slowly, rubbing her side.
"...Impressive," she admitted. "You adapt quickly."
Kai smirked, staying in his stance. "I have to. Otherwise, I'd be dead."
She twirled her daggers, her expression unreadable.
"Then let's see how long you can survive."
She lunged again. This time, even faster.