Night fell quietly.
Too quietly.
Jin Muyeon sat alone in his quarters, bandages wrapped tightly around his torso.
His fight with Gu Cheon still echoed in his body.
Pain lingered.
But so did something else.
Growth.
[HP: 54%]
[Recovery Accelerated]
Muyeon opened his eyes slowly.
"…Top 10."
A faint smile appeared.
But it didn't last.
[System Alert]
[Host detected under surveillance]
Muyeon didn't move.
"…I know."
The room was dark.
Still.
Silent.
But he could feel it.
Killing intent.
Faint.
Hidden.
Professional.
"…Assassins," he muttered.
The window creaked slightly.
A shadow slipped inside.
Then another.
Then a third.
Three figures.
Faces covered.
Presence suppressed.
Muyeon stood up slowly.
"…They didn't even wait a day."
One of them spoke.
Low. Cold.
"You climbed too fast."
Another added:
"Orders are simple."
A pause.
Then—
"Erase you."
Muyeon exhaled.
"…Of course."
[System Notification]
[Emergency Quest Triggered]
"Survive Assassination Attempt"
Kill or repel all enemies
Reward: Rare Skill + 150 Villain Points
Muyeon smiled faintly.
"…Perfect timing."
The assassins moved.
Instantly.
No signal needed.
Three directions.
Three killing strikes.
Muyeon stepped.
[Skill Activated: Shadow Step]
His body blurred.
Vanished.
The attacks collided—
But hit nothing.
The assassins froze for a split second.
"…Where—"
Too late.
Muyeon appeared behind one.
CRACK.
A clean strike to the neck.
The body dropped instantly.
[1 Target Eliminated]
[Villain Points +30]
The remaining two reacted instantly.
Faster than normal disciples.
Stronger.
"Careful—he's fast!"
Muyeon didn't respond.
He moved again.
One assassin threw a blade.
Sharp.
Precise.
Muyeon tilted his head.
Barely dodged.
Then—
Closed distance.
BAM.
A direct hit to the chest.
The assassin flew back—
But didn't fall.
"…He's strong," Muyeon noted.
The third assassin appeared behind him.
Silent.
Deadly.
Blade aimed at his throat.
At the last moment—
Muyeon twisted.
But—
Too late.
SLASH.
Blood spilled.
[HP: 38%]
Muyeon stepped back.
Hand touching his neck.
Warm.
Wet.
He smiled.
"…Good."
The assassins paused.
"…He's enjoying this?"
Muyeon looked at them.
Eyes glowing faintly.
"Come again."
They attacked together.
This time—
Faster.
More coordinated.
Muyeon's body moved on instinct.
Dodge.
Step.
Counter.
But they adapted too.
A strike landed.
Then another.
[HP: 29%]
Muyeon's breathing grew heavier.
"…Not enough."
His eyes flickered.
Then—
[System Option Available]
Temporary Enhancement: Blood Pulse (Reduced Effect)
Cost: 80 Points
Muyeon didn't hesitate.
[Activated]
His heart exploded into motion.
Power surged.
Pain followed.
But his speed—
Doubled.
Muyeon vanished.
The assassins froze.
"…Too fast!"
He reappeared between them.
Two strikes.
Simultaneous.
CRACK.
Both bodies dropped.
Silence.
[Targets Eliminated]
[Quest Complete]
[Villain Points +150]
Muyeon stood still.
Breathing heavy.
Blood dripping.
But alive.
Stronger.
Then—
Clap.
Clap.
Clap.
Muyeon's eyes snapped toward the door.
Someone was standing there.
Watching.
A woman.
Elegant.
Calm.
Dangerous.
Her eyes locked onto his.
A faint smile appeared.
"…Impressive."
Muyeon didn't relax.
"…Who are you?"
She stepped forward slowly.
No killing intent.
But overwhelming presence.
"Rank 4."
A pause.
"…Hwa Ryun."
Muyeon's eyes narrowed.
Top 5.
She looked at the bodies.
Then back at him.
"You just entered the Top 10…"
"…and they already sent assassins."
A faint smile.
"That means you're worth killing."
Muyeon smirked.
"…I figured."
She studied him for a moment.
Then said:
"Be careful."
A pause.
"Next time… it won't be this weak."
Muyeon chuckled softly.
"…I hope not."
Hwa Ryun turned to leave.
But stopped at the door.
"…Don't die too early."
Then she disappeared into the night.
Muyeon stood alone again.
Surrounded by bodies.
He exhaled slowly.
"Top 10…"
His eyes darkened slightly.
"…is just the beginning."
[System Notification]
[Rare Skill Unlocked: Killing Intent Detection]
[System Evolution: 52%]
Muyeon smiled faintly.
"Let them come."