The Man In The Shadows
Kaito didn't like being watched.
Even in his past life as a contract killer, there was one unshakable rule—never let yourself become the target. A predator that attracts too much attention becomes prey.
And yet, as he stepped off the battlefield, his instincts screamed at him.
Someone is watching.
Not with the casual curiosity of the disciples.
Not with the calculating scrutiny of the elders.
This gaze was different. Darker. Colder.
He glanced toward the sect leader's balcony.
And that's when he saw him.
The hooded figure.
Standing in the shadows just beyond the balcony, half-hidden behind the wooden pillars, as if he belonged there.
Unmoving. Expressionless. Watching.
Kaito didn't let his body tense. He acted as if he hadn't noticed, turning away like everything was normal.
But inside, his mind was racing.
Who was that?
A hidden elder? An assassin? No—the Murim world didn't use assassins the way his world did. In this place, strength dictated everything. Assassination was seen as cowardly.
Which meant this person wasn't just some wandering observer.
They had a reason to be here.
And that reason was him.
---
A Dangerous Invitation
After the matches, Kaito returned to his quarters. The selection tournament wasn't over, but he had done enough today.
More victories would come.
Right now, he needed to prepare for something far more dangerous—because that gaze from earlier wasn't just passing curiosity.
And he was right.
Because when he opened the door to his room, something was waiting for him.
A sealed scroll.
Placed perfectly on his desk.
No one had seen them enter. No one had seen them leave.
His fingers brushed against the wax seal. It was black—not the red used for official sect messages.
This wasn't from the elders.
This was from the shadows.
Kaito broke the seal and unraveled the parchment.
Only four words were written inside.
> Come to the Hollow Grove.
No sender. No explanation.
Just an order.
A trap?
Most definitely.
Would he still go?
Kaito smirked.
Of course.
Because he needed to know who was pulling the strings in the dark.
And if they were a threat…
Then he would handle it the way he always had.
By striking first.