Ethan's grip tightened on the rusted sword as the assassin stepped forward, the dim dungeon light barely illuminating their form. His heartbeat slowed, his senses sharpening. This wasn't a mindless monster—it was a human, and they had come to kill him.
The assassin moved first, a blur of motion, closing the distance in an instant. Ethan barely had time to react before a dagger aimed for his throat gleamed under the flickering torchlight. He twisted his body, dodging just in time, but the blade nicked his shoulder, drawing a thin line of blood.
He gritted his teeth. This isn't a normal opponent.
Aldric's Plot Unfolds
Back in the academy, Aldric smirked as he watched through a surveillance crystal. The assassin he had sent was one of the best—an expert in quick kills and silent executions. There was no way an F-rank like Ethan could survive this.
"You had your fun, Ethan Graves. But your luck ends tonight."
Aldric leaned back in his chair, confident that within moments, the assassin would deliver the final blow.
The Unyielding Struggle
Ethan knew he couldn't match the assassin's speed or technique. But what he lacked in skill, he made up for in sheer resilience.
The assassin lunged again, this time aiming for his heart. Ethan sidestepped, feeling the dagger graze past his ribs. His muscles screamed in protest, but he ignored the pain. He wasn't going to die here.
Passive Ability Reminder:
Never Give Up (Progress: ???)
Iron Stride (Progress: 81%)
Bloodforged Tenacity (Progress: 53%)
Enduring Will (Progress: 37%)
Unyielding Flesh (Progress: 41%)
A sudden burst of clarity filled his mind. He had been training, pushing his body to its limits. His passive abilities were growing stronger. He could feel it.
He exhaled sharply. Use their speed against them.
The next time the assassin struck, Ethan didn't dodge completely. Instead, he redirected the attack, shifting his weight at the last moment. The assassin overextended—just as Ethan had planned.
With a roar, he slammed his knee into their stomach, sending them staggering backward. The assassin barely managed to regain their footing before Ethan tackled them to the ground.
Fists met flesh. Bones cracked. But Ethan didn't stop.
Aldric's Panic
Aldric's smirk faded as he watched Ethan turn the tables. This wasn't supposed to happen. How was an F-rank overpowering a trained killer?
The assassin struggled, trying to break free, but Ethan's grip was relentless. He had spent his entire life fighting against the odds, enduring pain that would break others.
Aldric gritted his teeth. Impossible.
"Retreat," he commanded through the crystal. But it was too late.
Ethan's fist came down one last time. The assassin let out a final breath before going still.
Blood dripped from Ethan's knuckles, his chest rising and falling heavily. He staggered to his feet, staring at the lifeless body before him.
Another attempt on his life.
Another enemy who had underestimated him.
A New Resolve
Ethan wiped the blood from his face and turned toward the dungeon's exit. He knew this wasn't over. Aldric wouldn't stop until he was dead.
But if Aldric wanted him gone, he'd have to try harder.
Because Ethan Graves wasn't going anywhere.
To be continued…