clash

The city of Stranley was as lively as ever—bustling, yet filled with an underlying tension. People walked briskly, some with their heads lowered as if avoiding something. At every corner, the hum of vehicles blended with the restless murmur of the night.

Under the dim glow of a streetlamp, Glenn stood with a sharp grin.

**"You don't have any other offers."**

His voice was low, almost a whisper, but clear enough to make the man before him take a step back.

The man eyed Glenn warily, his gaze searching for any sign of deception.

Glenn raised an eyebrow, his tone calm and unwavering.

**"Relax. I'm the division leader sent to assist Stranley. Just tell me—where's the battle?"**

The man hesitated. **"But... you're not even wearing a uniform!"**

Glenn sighed, realizing this would be troublesome. It was true—he lacked the official uniform that typically signified authority.

**"I'm the leader. I have my own rules... But I know they'll question this."**

After a brief pause, he added, **"Let's just say I'm still the newly appointed division leader. My official uniform hasn't been issued yet."**

The man scoffed. **"Hah! You expect me to believe that? Listen, don't go there! It's dangerous!"**

Glenn's gaze sharpened.

**"Don't get in my way."**

The man stiffened. There was something in Glenn's voice—something that left no room for argument.

Elsewhere in the city, Linya and Zask faced each other.

Zask let out a booming laugh, his voice echoing between the buildings. **"So, this is your serious side?"**

Linya's eyes remained cold. **"You should worry about yourself, Underground Lord."**

Zask grinned. **"Oh? Is that how it is?"**

His laughter grew louder. **"Do you even remember what I am?"**

His voice carried through the air, nearly drowning out the sound of approaching footsteps.

Then, in a low growl, Zask spoke. **"Answer the call—Underworld summons!"**

From the shadows, three figures emerged.

Hugo, the burly pirate, lifted his long-barreled rifle.

Jayra, the twin marauders, a man and a woman whose movements were eerily synchronized.

Wemp, the sluggish-looking rogue, who, despite his lethargic demeanor, moved at blinding speed.

Linya narrowed her eyes. **"Only three?"**

Zask's grin never wavered. **"You'll see soon enough."**

The three attacked simultaneously. Linya dodged swiftly, but one of Hugo's bullets grazed her shoulder.

She countered with a moonsault kick, forcing Hugo to stumble back.

**"You're stronger than I expected,"** she muttered.

But they didn't stop. They pressed forward, showing no signs of exhaustion.

Linya's breaths grew heavier. **"They don't get tired...?"**

Before she could react, two knives flew toward her. She deflected them with her hands, but a thin red line appeared where they grazed her skin.

Her gaze snapped toward a new presence—a cloaked figure standing in the shadows, their face obscured.

**"Who are you?"** she demanded, her stance tightening.

The figure clicked their tongue. **"You're right. They don't get tired."**

Suddenly, six more knives shot toward her. Linya dodged, but instead of striking her, the blades embedded themselves into the people behind her.

Her body tensed. Those knives were dangerous.

In a panic, she reached for an antidote.

The cloaked figure chuckled. **"Relax. That first one wasn't poison."**

Linya scowled. **"Whose side are you on?"**

The figure simply shrugged. **"I'm nobody. Forget about me."**

Then, as if indifferent to the chaos unfolding, they casually took a seat.

Linya's frown deepened. **"Hey! How long do you plan on sitting there?"**

In the distance, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the streets.

Zask turned, his grin widening. **"Oh, look who decided to show up."**

Linya followed his gaze—and her eyes widened. **"Glenn?"**

Glenn stood with a serious expression, a squad of division soldiers assembled behind him.

**"What are you doing here?"** Linya asked.

Glenn cast her a brief glance. **"I'll explain later. For now, stand down."**

He knelt, picking up one of the knives embedded in the ground.

**[Job conversion: Warrior → Dualwielder]**

**[New job acquired: Dualwielder]**

A sudden surge of energy coursed through him. His hands felt lighter, as if they had always been meant to wield two blades.

Without hesitation, Glenn drew two swords, raising them high.

**"All units—prepare to engage!"**

The clash of steel filled the air as battle erupted. Blood splattered, screams rang out—but Glenn remained steadfast.

Linya prepared to join the fight, but Zask stepped in her way.

**"Come on now,"** he mused. **"Didn't he just tell you to rest?"**

Amidst the chaos, Glenn's blades carved through his enemies.

And in the midst of it all, Zask's grin deepened as he whispered,

**"He's coming."**

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