Alex stirred awake, the morning heaviness melting away as determination gripped him. Quietly, he rose from his modest cot and made his way down the creaking stairs of the Veiled Lantern Inn.
"Good morning," Alex called softly to the innkeeper's assistant. "Could I have a piece of bread?"
The employee nodded, disappearing briefly behind the counter. Moments later, a warm slice of bread was placed in Alex's hand.
The weather outside pressed gray, a thick ceiling of clouds dimming the day's first light. Alex stepped out into the chill air, thoughts already racing ahead.
My sword's edge is dull. It won't hold much longer, he mused. Today, I'll find a replacement before I set out.
Strolling through the bustling heart of Gallowgate, Alex's sharp eyes caught a familiar sign: The Gallow's Anvil. The blacksmith's shop stood like a beacon amid the cobblestone streets.
He pushed open the heavy door, the clang of metal and scent of hearth-fire enveloping him.
"Hello, kid," boomed the blacksmith, wiping soot from his hands onto a leather apron. "What are you looking for? Describe it—I'll fetch the perfect blade for you. We carry all kinds here."
Alex rubbed the back of his neck. "A medium sword. Not too heavy, not too light. Something that feels right in my hands—even if I can't fully explain it."
The blacksmith's eyes gleamed. "Leave it to me. I've got two swords in mind. Wait here."
Minutes turned to a brief quiet. Then, with a satisfied grunt, the blacksmith returned holding two blades.
"Here. First is a simple sword, plain but reliable. It doesn't take to magic well, is average weight, and not too long. Second is a longsword—heavier, but balanced well. Even a child could wield it. And this one supports enchantments on the blade."
Alex took the longsword in hand, swinging it down fast and true. The blade sang, glowing faintly at the edges, warmth curling along the steel. A slow smile spread across Alex's face.
"This one," he declared. "It's like it was made for me."
"Alright, kid," the blacksmith said. "That'll cost eighty silver coins."
Alex reached into his pouch, producing a single gold coin. The smith's eyes twinkled at the generous payment as he handed over the change.
Walking out, the early clouds thickening above, Alex's mind shifted to the day ahead.
Money's running thin. Time to take up an assassin's work. That should fix my problems—hopefully.
His feet led him toward the Shaded Path Guild.
The heavy oak door swung open, revealing the murmur of adventurers and muted lantern light. Alex passed through, eyes locking onto the service board at the center of the hall.
A tab caught his attention, marked Fresh Jobs. He tore off a worn poster and read, voice only inside his head.
Niv, 27. Declared enemy of the Theocracy of Lumen. Accused of robberies and homicides. Fast. Not a magic user, but a master of combat techniques and enchantment skills. Wields two swords—one at each hip. Last sighted thirty minutes ago, heading toward the Sunscorch Expanse. Black hair, mouth covered by a black bandana, simple clothes.
A chill raced down Alex's spine, eyes narrowing with resolve.
Stepping to the guild counter, he said plainly, "I'll take this job."
Kaito, the guild clerk, raised an eyebrow. "Rank B. Skilled opponent. If it gets too hot, run. Find your opening and run."
"I'll manage," Alex replied, voice steady.
Kaito passed over a black cloak with a hood and a half-black, half-white mask, a somber smile stitched upon it.
"Your assassin outfit has arrived," Kaito said. "This should help."
Alex took it carefully, fingers tracing the fabric. "Thanks, Kaito. I'll need this."
"Good luck out there," the clerk said with a small nod.
Stepping back into Gallowgate's dusty streets, Alex's thoughts poured forward like a swift river.
This road leads out toward the Sunscorch Expanse, then beyond to Last Oasis. If Niv's fleeing, he'll try to stay under the radar—village to village. After crossing the desert, the oasis will be his rest point. Night's close.
The unforgiving desert stretched wide and barren—the Sunscorch Expanse scorched beneath a low, angry sun. Twenty minutes trudging through dry sand, Alex's cloak billowed behind him, dust clouding his boots.
Reaching Last Oasis, twilight draped over the sparse village. Alex glided through shadowed alleys, searching, but no sign of Niv. He chose the village's edge to keep watch.
Hours crawled by. Then, just as the moon crept high, a flash of black emerged from the exit.
A faint smile flickered on Alex's lips. Mask donned, he leapt forward, voice low and sharp.
"We finally meet, Niv."
The man stopped, black bandana masking most of his face.
"Who are you?" Niv's voice was calm, but his hands moved to his hips.
"I'm the one who ends you."
In a burst of motion, Alex charged. Niv stepped back swiftly, drawing two swords that gleamed cold in the starlight. The clash began.
Niv's blades met Alex's fiery longsword with a harsh ring. Niv struck fast, but Alex blocked each blow expertly. Spinning away, Alex murmured an enchantment.
Magical runes glowed in his palm; flames licked along his sword's edge in a brilliant blaze.
"Now I go all out."
"Same here," Niv growled.
They surged forward, flesh and magic, steel and sparks. Alex aimed for Niv's stomach, but two blades crossed to shield him.
Niv's thoughts raced. This enchanted blade hurts... one hit and I'm done.
"Physical Enhancement: Speed +10!" he intoned.
Niv swirled, a whirlwind of rapid strikes. Alex staggered back, a jagged pain blooming in his chest.
That blow would have killed if I hadn't retreated, Alex acknowledged, heart pounding. But this kind of pain is nothing now—just a challenge.
"Physical Enhancement: Speed, Lightness!" Alex countered.
Suddenly, the sword felt featherlight, swift as a feather dancing on the wind. Alex's movements sharpened, miles per heartbeat.
They charged again, blades locked in a deadly dance beneath a moonsilver sky.
Niv then halted abruptly, chants tumbling from his lips.
"Seismic Vacuum!"
He swung both swords down, releasing a violent force that cracked the earth—splitting the ground into jagged halves toward Alex's feet.
Alex pushed forward, heart drumming—the gust snapping at his cloak.
If that gets me...
He dodged with narrow grace, closing the distance.
Steel met steel. Alex struck fiercely; Niv defended with masterful skill—but the blow was too strong. One of Niv's swords wrenched free, spinning and clattering to the ground.
"Now," Alex breathed.
Niv lunged desperately for Alex's chest. Alex sidestepped perfectly and, with deadly precision, pierced the man.
Niv's breath was ragged as he sank to the earth, voice weak but defiant.
"I breathe... just finish it."
Alex raised his flaming sword, plunging it deep into Niv's heart. The fire hummed through the blade as life slipped away.
A calm voice echoed softly in Alex's mind:
Skill acquired: Dual Sword Warrior. Seismic Vacuum technique available to learn.
Options shimmered before him.
[Yes] [No]
"Yes," Alex answered without hesitation.
Command accepted. Skill successfully acquired.
So it's true, Alex thought, fingers tightening around his sword. I claim their strength when I kill them.
He knelt beside the fallen, grim task ahead.
With steady hands, Alex severed Niv's little finger—proof of death for the guild.
"This... is the worst part," Alex muttered. "Chopping off fingers isn't for everyone."
Looking up, the darkening sky reminded him of the night's growing chill.
Resting with this in my pouch will be strange.
Choosing a quicker route, Alex prepared to cut through the shrouded shadows of the forest.
A flicker of flame sparked from his palm, incinerating Niv's body into ash. He turned, cloak swirling, and raced toward the Shrouded Wood.
Branches clawed at the sky as Alex pushed through the dense forest. Soon, a low growl trembled the air.
A hulking ogre—skin green and mottled, a single glaring eye—stepped from the shadows, clutching a massive wooden club.
It roared, rage erupting like thunder.
Alex stepped back, drawing his longsword, heart steady. With a single, precise strike, the ogre split in two, collapsing with a guttural roar.
No skill gained... do I only take from those with cunning or soul? Alex wondered, curiosity sparking.
Further on, three snarling goblins appeared. Moving like a storm, Alex dispatched them swiftly and pressed onward.
Finally, the lights of Gallowgate beckoned.
"I'm back," Alex whispered. "Time to get this done."
Inside the guild, he handed the severed finger to Kaito.
"I've completed the job," Alex said.
Kaito held the finger up to his magic sight, the tendrils of mana flickering weakly and then fading.
"In this world," Kaito explained, "mana flows through every part of the living: fingers, legs, even strands of hair. If mana still flows, the target is alive."
The glow dimmed, confirming Niv's end.
"Job confirmed," Kaito said, dropping eighty-five silver coins onto the counter.
Alex pocketed the reward, a low hum of satisfaction echoing through him.
He stepped into the evening air, the road ahead already whispering promises of new dangers—and new power.
To be continued…