Chapter 6: The Price of Blood

The streets of Torren were never truly silent, not even at night. The distant laughter of drunkards, the murmurs of thieves plotting their next heist, and the occasional scream of some poor soul being robbed filled the air.

Leon and Iris walked side by side through the dark alleys, the weight of their recent kill lingering in the air between them.

"So," Iris said, flipping the pouch of coins in her hand, "how does it feel?"

Leon glanced at her. "How does what feel?"

She smirked. "Your first big job. You just wiped out a noble and a mercenary leader in one night. You're officially a part of Torren's underworld now."

Leon chuckled. "Feels… good, actually."

Iris raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

He stopped walking, looking up at the starless sky. "In my previous life, I was a nobody. No power, no control. Now, every move I make shapes my destiny." He grinned. "And I like it."

Iris shook her head, laughing. "You really are dangerous, aren't you?"

Before Leon could respond, he felt it—an unnatural stillness in the air.

Iris noticed too. Her body tensed, hand drifting toward her daggers.

Then, from the shadows, a voice.

"I was wondering who could kill Axel so efficiently."

A figure stepped into view—a tall, lean man dressed in black leather armor, his presence radiating quiet menace. His sharp blue eyes studied Leon like a predator sizing up prey.

Leon didn't move. "And you are?"

The man smiled slightly. "Call me Cain."

Iris sucked in a breath. "Shit."

Leon flicked his eyes to her. "You know this guy?"

She nodded, her voice unusually serious. "Yeah. Cain's not just any assassin—he's one of the deadliest killers in Torren. If he's here, we've got a problem."

Cain chuckled. "Oh, don't be so dramatic, Iris. I'm not here to kill you."

Leon crossed his arms. "Then what are you here for?"

Cain's smile widened. "To offer you an opportunity."

An Offer from the Shadows

Cain casually leaned against the alley wall, playing with a throwing knife between his fingers. "Word travels fast in this city. You're making a name for yourself, Leon. And people are taking notice."

Leon remained silent, waiting.

Cain's gaze sharpened. "There's a war brewing in Torren's underworld. The noble houses and the crime syndicates are fighting for control. And you, my friend, just became a wildcard."

Iris scoffed. "And let me guess—you want him to pick a side?"

Cain chuckled. "Not quite. I want him to join me."

Leon smirked. "You work for someone?"

Cain's eyes gleamed. "I work for the highest bidder. And right now, there's someone who really wants a man like you in their employ."

Leon exhaled slowly, considering.

Iris, however, wasn't convinced. "And what happens if he refuses?"

Cain's smile didn't fade. "Then he becomes competition."

The air grew thick with tension.

Leon finally spoke. "Who's making the offer?"

Cain flicked his knife, catching it smoothly. "Ever hear of the Black Vipers?"

Iris stiffened. "You've got to be kidding me."

Leon raised a brow. "Judging by your reaction, they're not exactly a friendly group."

"They're worse than the nobles," she muttered. "They control half the underground trade—smuggling, assassination, extortion. Getting involved with them is a death sentence."

Cain laughed. "Only for those who don't know how to survive." His eyes locked onto Leon. "You? I think you'd thrive."

Leon rubbed his chin. The offer was tempting. Power, wealth, and access to information—things he needed if he wanted to carve out a place in this world.

But Iris's warning rang in his head.

He met Cain's gaze. "And if I refuse?"

Cain sighed, shaking his head. "Pity. You have potential."

Then, in a blink, he moved.

Assassin's Dance

Leon barely had time to react. Cain's knife sliced through the air, aiming straight for his throat.

Leon dodged, rolling backward as the blade nicked his cheek.

Iris was already moving. She threw a dagger—Cain spun, catching it mid-air. "Nice try."

Leon smirked. "You're fast."

Cain grinned. "And you're not dead yet. Impressive."

He lunged again, his speed incredible. But this time, Leon was ready. He blocked Cain's strike, countering with a slash of his own.

Cain twisted, dodging with ease. "You learn quickly."

Iris joined the fray, attacking from the side. Cain sidestepped her strike, grabbing her wrist and twisting. She yelped as he disarmed her.

Leon took the opening—he feinted left, then kicked Cain hard in the ribs.

The assassin staggered back, eyes gleaming with amusement.

Cain twirled his knife, then… stepped back. "Well. This was fun."

Leon and Iris remained on guard, breathing heavily.

Cain chuckled. "Consider that a test. And a warning."

Leon narrowed his eyes. "You're just going to walk away?"

"For now." Cain smirked. "But make no mistake, Leon—you're playing in a world far deadlier than you realize. Choose your next steps carefully."

With that, he disappeared into the shadows.

Iris cursed. "Son of a bitch."

Leon wiped the blood from his cheek, smirking. "Well. That was exciting."

Iris glared at him. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

He chuckled. "A little."

She groaned. "You're insane."

Leon exhaled, eyes shining with determination.

The underworld of Torren was bigger and deadlier than he expected. But he wasn't afraid.

He was just getting started.