Raid 3

Varian's laughter echoed through the chamber as his assassins swarmed around us. "Ah, I see now," he mused. "You're different this time, Leon. Stronger. Smarter."

I barely dodged a dagger aimed at my back, twisting my body to slash another assassin across the throat. His body crumpled, but three more took his place. Damn it. There were too many.

Damon's sword flashed beside me, cutting through another foe. "You better have a plan, because I'm not dying for your little revenge quest!"

I smirked, parrying another strike. "You won't die. He will."

Varian sighed, stretching his arms. "I grow bored of this." He snapped his fingers. The remaining assassins suddenly froze in place—then vanished into the shadows.

Damon tensed. "What the hell—?"

The air shifted. The temperature dropped.

And then—

Varian was in front of me.

I barely had time to react before his fist slammed into my gut.

Pain exploded through my body as I flew backward, crashing through a wooden pillar. My ribs screamed in protest as I gasped for breath.

[DING!] [Health -20]

Varian sighed, flexing his fingers. "You're not ready."

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stand. "I don't need to be ready." I wiped the blood from my lips and smirked. "I just need to win."

[DING!]

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▶ [New Skill Unlocked: Unyielding Will (F)]

▶ Effect: When HP drops below 30%, Strength and Agility increase by 20% for 10 seconds.

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Power surged through my limbs. The pain dulled. My muscles tensed.

Now we were talking.

I dashed forward. Varian moved to counter, but I was faster this time. My dagger shot toward his neck—

But he caught it.

His yellow eyes gleamed with amusement. "A system, huh?" He tightened his grip. "I wonder—"

Damon's blade tore through his side.

Varian's smirk faltered. His body flickered—turning to shadow.

Shit.

He reappeared on the far side of the room, blood dripping down his cloak. He glanced at the wound, then at Damon, and for the first time, his smile disappeared.

Damon rested his sword on his shoulder, rolling his neck. "What? You thought I was just going to watch?"

Varian's expression darkened. "Enough games."

The shadows surged.

I had seconds before he attacked again.

I met Damon's gaze. No words were needed.

It was time to end this.