Shadows

[Island of Bones, Dwarven Mountains Underground Level 4]

After a dozen minutes, Snake stopped, completely out of breath. He had climbed as much as he could, but he knew that he was not fast. At this moment, he really regretted not training his physique more like the rest of the crimson clan. If he were more agile, maybe he could have avoided a frontal combat.

'Is this the end?', he thought.

However, not long after he stopped, he realized that only one acolyte was chasing after him, the very same purple-haired woman who had crushed the army of skeletons.

'Only her? She is quite strong, managing to force the hands of the old man, but even a strong acolyte has weaknesses', Snake thought. 

Completely hidden in the darkness, Snake could see Vanessa merge with the shadows. It seemed like she could see in darkness just as a human would see in broad daylight. Similarly, Snake could see thanks to his spell [Eye of Darkness], although it consumed his mana at a rapid rate.

Vanessa Ryneflower.

By now, Snake would be a dumbass if he had not recognized the identity of the woman chasing him. Also called the 'blue wolf assassin', she was considered the third strongest acolyte in the Blue Wolf Mercenary Group for a reason. Her shadow affinity and versatility in battles were acknowledged by all. She apparently defected from the Shadow Guild, after refusing a commission and joined the Blue Wolf Mercenary, accepting the protection of Darius.

To this day, she had never failed a mission.

'Out of all people, it had to be her', Snake cursed inwardly. 

Although he was alone, against an enemy who had more fame and more strength, Snake did not give up. For the past decade, he had followed Tyrius' teachings and learned two spells. He, too, qualified as an elite beginner rank acolyte.

[Shadow Spear]

Seeing her walk up to him, he immediately cast his offensive spell towards her when she entered his range of attack. 

However, she had already sensed him, and narrowly dodged it.

"What a pity...You could have had a chance if you had been slightly more patient...", she muttered like a ghost

"DIE", Snake shouted as he cast another spell

[Shadow Spear]

However, this time around, the shadow spear stopped and was dispelled before it could reach his target. The dispersed aura of shadow then got absorbed in Vanessa's magical dagger.

"Thank you for the spell", she said playfully, before casting a few words.

Next thing Snake knew, his vision shambled and he saw the ground rotate.

"Huh...", Snake muttered in surprise as no sound came out of his mouth as he tried to cast one more spell.

Vanessa had beheaded him, and he had not even seen her hand move.

Just like that, one of the strongest member of the crimson clan had died.

=== 

Meanwhile, Gale and his three subordinates had managed to catch up to the old Tyrius and Karridian. 

Tyrius sighed, feeling that his end was near. Turning to the golem master, he muttered: "Run, Karridian. If you reach the city of steel, it is likely that you will encounter one of us crimson clan members. I will try to hold them off as long as-"

*SPLASH*

Before he could finish his sentence, he felt a sting in his back. Turning around in surprise, he realised that the old golem master had stabbed him in the back, with a regular knife.

"You..."

However, the golem master took out another knife and screamed: "DIE"