A Name in the Shadows

Kai sat in the dimly lit hideout, sharpening his dagger. The blade glowed under the flickering candlelight, its edge reflecting his crimson eyes.

The name Silver Phantom had spread like wildfire. Every criminal in Eldoria whispered it in fear.

But fear alone wasn’t enough.

He had a mission.

And powerful eyes were now watching him.

Lucian entered the room, tossing a sealed letter onto the table. “You’ve made an impression, kid. But that means trouble is coming.”

Kai raised an eyebrow. “Who?”

Varian leaned against the doorway, smirking. “The Crimson Hand.”

Kai’s grip tightened. The underground assassin syndicate. Ruthless. Unforgiving. And now… interested in him.

Lucian nodded. “They sent a message. They want a meeting.”

Kai frowned. “A meeting or a trap?”

Varian chuckled. “Does it matter? If you’re serious about taking over this world, you’ll have to face them sooner or later.”

Kai exhaled, sliding his dagger back into its sheath.

Then let’s meet the wolves in their den.

The Crimson Invitation

The meeting place was an abandoned temple on the outskirts of Eldoria.

Kai arrived alone, stepping into the ruined hall. Moonlight filtered through shattered stained glass, casting eerie patterns on the cracked marble floor.

He wasn’t alone.

Figures emerged from the shadows—silent, deadly. Their leader stood at the center.

A woman.

Tall, dressed in deep crimson robes, her raven-black hair cascading down her back. But it was her eyes that caught Kai’s attention—golden, piercing, analyzing him like a beast sizing up prey.

She smiled. “So, you’re the Silver Phantom.”

Kai’s voice was calm. “And you are?”

She stepped forward. “Lena. A lieutenant of the Crimson Hand.”

Her golden eyes gleamed. “You’ve caused quite a stir, boy. But tell me… are you really as dangerous as the rumors say?”

Kai met her gaze, unflinching. “Try me and find out.”

Lena chuckled. “Good answer.”

With a flick of her wrist, a dagger shot toward Kai’s throat.

A Dance with Death

Kai moved instantly.

His system activated.

[Instinctive Combat – Lv. 4 Activated!]

He tilted his head just enough—the blade missed by a hair.

But Lena was already moving. Fast.

A second dagger flashed—Kai parried, their blades clashing in a shower of sparks.

Lena grinned. “Not bad.”

She twisted, launching a spinning kick toward his ribs.

Kai dodged—barely. But before he could counter, she vanished.

Where—?!

A whisper behind him.

Too late!

Her dagger pressed against his neck.

The room fell silent.

Lena smirked. “Dead.”

Kai exhaled, his mind racing.

He wasn’t used to losing.

But this woman… she was on a different level.

Lena stepped back, twirling her dagger. “You’re skilled, but you lack refinement. Raw power alone won’t save you.”

Her golden eyes studied him. “Join us.”

Kai narrowed his eyes. “And if I refuse?”

Lena smiled. “Then we’ll have to kill you.”

Silence hung between them.

Then—

Kai smirked. “You can try.”

Lena laughed. “I like you, Phantom. We’ll be seeing each other again.”

She turned, disappearing into the shadows, leaving behind only her final words.

“Be careful. You’re not the only predator in the dark.”

A Storm on the Horizon

Kai returned to the hideout, his mind sharp.

Lucian leaned against the table. “You live.”

Kai scoffed. “Disappointed?”

Varian chuckled. “No. But you’ve got their attention now. And that means war is coming.”

Kai tightened his grip on his dagger.

Good.

Because war was exactly what he wanted.

TO BE CONTINUED…