The air shifted.
A killing intent so thin it was almost invisible seeped into the room.
I didn't turn around.
Running would be pointless.
[Confirmed Hostile Intent.]
[Combat Mode Activated.]
The system's voice was calm.
Too calm.
A blade flashed from the shadows.
I twisted.
Steel grazed my shoulder, cutting deep.
Pain flared.
But I didn't scream.
[Severe Injury Detected.]
[Endless Growth Triggered.]
Strength +0.4
Agility +0.5
I spun and struck back.
My fist met a masked face.
Bone cracked.
The attacker stumbled.
Three figures emerged.
All dressed in black.
Silent.
Professional.
"Three?" I muttered.
They moved together.
One high.
One low.
One straight at my throat.
I leapt back, crashing into the wall.
The room exploded.
Furniture shattered.
Blood splattered the floor.
Mine.
Theirs.
[Limit Adaptation Active.]
Resistance Increased.]
Pain dulled.
Focus sharpened.
I grabbed a fallen chair leg and swung.
The first assassin collapsed.
The second tried to retreat.
I didn't let him.
My strike landed.
Hard.
Final.
The third froze.
Fear flickered in his eyes.
Too late.
Silence.
Three bodies lay on the ground.
My chest heaved.
Blood dripped from my hands.
Not all of it was mine.
The system pulsed.
[Lethal Combat Recorded.]
[Mental Resistance Increased.]
[New Trait Unlocked: Ruthless Mind]
Effect: Reduced hesitation in lethal situations.
I closed my eyes.
"This world…" I whispered,
"doesn't forgive mercy."
Guards burst in moments later.
Their eyes widened at the scene.
"What happened here?!"
I looked up slowly.
"They came to kill me," I said calmly.
And for the first time…
I meant it.
💥 End of Chapter 12 💥