Night fell without warning.
The courtyard lights dimmed, mana lamps flickering as if afraid.
My master stood at the edge of the training ground.
"He's coming," he said.
No explanation.
No countdown.
[Extreme Threat Detected.]
[Target Classified: Elite Assassin.]
The system's tone sharpened.
I slowed my breathing.
So this was the test.
The air rippled.
A figure emerged from the darkness—thin, masked, movements soundless. His presence was different from the others.
Sharper.
Colder.
A professional.
"You're the boy," the assassin said softly.
"Worth a high price."
I didn't answer.
He vanished.
I twisted just in time.
A blade grazed my ribs.
Pain flared.
[Pain Conversion Active.]
Strength +0.4
Agility +0.5
I countered.
My fist met empty air.
Too fast.
The assassin laughed quietly.
"Good instincts," he said. "But not enough."
He attacked again.
Relentless.
Precise.
Each strike aimed to kill.
I stopped thinking.
I reacted.
Step.
Turn.
Strike.
[Limit Adaptation Active.]
Resistance Increased.]
Combat Sense +0.6
The next blade hit.
It hurt—
But I stayed standing.
The assassin paused.
"…You're adapting."
I smiled faintly.
"Too slow."
I rushed him.
For the first time, he retreated.
I pressed harder.
Pain stacked.
Growth surged.
[Endless Growth Overdrive.]
Strength +0.8
Agility +0.7
My strike connected.
His mask cracked.
Blood sprayed.
He staggered.
Before he could recover, my master spoke.
"Enough."
The assassin froze.
A pressure crushed him to the ground.
He couldn't move.
My master stepped forward.
"Remember his feeling," he said to me.
"Fear means you're winning."
With a flick of his hand, the assassin went still.
Silence returned.
I stood there, chest rising and falling.
Alive.
Changed.
The system pulsed brightly.
[Elite Combat Survived.]
[Major Growth Recorded.]
New Title Acquired: Predator-in-Training
I clenched my fists.
"So this," I whispered,
"is what hunts look like."
My master turned away.
"Rest," he said.
"Tomorrow, the academy will feel it."