Rain fell heavily over Blackridge.
Dark clouds covered the sky, and thunder echoed in the distance.
Most people stayed indoors.
Perfect conditions for killers.
Arin sat in his study, reviewing reports with Kelsin and Kael.
"Baron Trevik has increased private troop movement," Kael said. "Mostly at night."
"And several strangers entered the town today," Kelsin added. "No clear identities."
Arin nodded slowly.
"So he's getting impatient."
Lyra stood near the window, her senses spread outward.
"There's… something wrong," she murmured. "The mana flow is distorted."
Before anyone could react, the candle flames flickered violently.
Then—
The window shattered.
A black figure burst inside.
A dagger coated in blue poison flashed toward Arin's throat.
Clang!
Rynor appeared instantly, blocking the strike.
The assassin flipped backward, landing silently.
His presence was almost nonexistent.
"Master-level assassin," Rynor muttered.
The intruder moved again.
Three shadow clones split from his body.
Each charged from different angles.
Selene released a burst of wind magic.
Lyra cast a barrier.
Jaren smashed one clone with brute force.
The real body vanished.
"Above!" Kael shouted.
A blade descended from the ceiling.
Arin raised his hand.
Mana surged.
A transparent shield formed just in time.
Crack!
The shield shattered, but the dagger was deflected.
Arin rolled aside and drew his short sword.
For the first time, he fought personally.
His movements were precise.
Not flashy.
Efficient.
The assassin paused.
Surprised.
"You've improved," he whispered.
Rynor took advantage.
One powerful slash tore through the assassin's shoulder.
Blood splattered.
The intruder retreated toward the broken window.
"Baron Trevik sends his regards," he said coldly.
Then he threw a smoke bomb and disappeared.
Silence returned.
Rain continued to fall.
Arin exhaled slowly.
"That was close."
Lyra rushed to him. "Are you hurt?"
"Only my pride," he replied with a faint smile.
But his eyes were cold.
The system activated.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Assassination Attempt Survived]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Threat Awareness Increased]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Crisis Adaptability +5%]
Later that night, Arin summoned his core members.
"This confirms it," he said calmly. "Trevik has crossed the line."
Selene folded her arms. "Political warfare has turned into bloodshed."
"Then we respond accordingly," Rynor said.
Arin nodded.
"No reckless revenge," he said firmly. "We'll dismantle him legally… and strategically."
Kael's eyes shone. "We'll expose everything."
Far away, in a hidden underground chamber, the injured assassin knelt before the hooded figure.
"He's not weak," the assassin said hoarsely. "He's growing."
The hooded figure chuckled softly.
"Good."
"Prey that grows is more satisfying."
And thus, the invisible war had begun.