The Edge Of Death

Lee Byung Hun's wounds ached, but he pushed forward, his breath ragged in the cold night air. The battle with the Skullhide Wolf had left him drained, yet he knew better than to rest here. The scent of blood would attract other predators.

He tightened his grip on his sword and forced himself to move.

Branches snapped behind him.

His body tensed—another threat.

Spinning around, he barely had time to react as a shadow leaped at him from the treetops. Instinct kicked in. He raised his blade just in time to block the incoming strike.

Clang!

The force sent him staggering back. His eyes widened as he took in his attacker.

Not a beast.

A man.

Draped in a cloak of dark leather, a mask obscuring his face, the stranger held twin daggers glistening under the moonlight. His stance was low, predatory.

A rogue. A killer.

Byung Hun barely had time to register this before the man lunged again, moving fast.

He barely dodged. A dagger grazed his cheek, drawing blood.

"He's testing you," the forgotten god murmured in his mind. "Do not let him dictate the fight."

Byung Hun gritted his teeth. No choice. He had to counterattack.

Pushing off the ground, he slashed at the rogue's torso. The man twisted away effortlessly, bringing his daggers down in a vicious arc.

Byung Hun ducked, feeling the air shift above him.

Too slow.

A knee slammed into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

Damn it!

The rogue moved in for the kill.

Think!

In a desperate move, Byung Hun stabbed his sword into the dirt, using it as a pivot to swing his legs around. His foot connected with the rogue's knee, knocking him off balance for a split second—just enough time.

Byung Hun grabbed a fistful of dirt and flung it into the man's face.

The rogue flinched.

That was his opening.

Ignoring the pain in his ribs, Byung Hun surged forward, his blade flashing in the moonlight.

The rogue barely dodged in time, but the tip of Byung Hun's sword cut across his shoulder.

The man leapt back, clicking his tongue in irritation. He studied Byung Hun for a moment before chuckling.

"You've got fight in you, kid," he said, voice muffled behind his mask. "But you're still weak."

Then, without warning, he turned and vanished into the trees.

Byung Hun stood frozen, heart hammering.

The fight was over… for now.

But the message was clear—he was being watched.

And next time, his enemy wouldn't let him live