Kai didn't dare move.
The grip on his mouth was firm—but not painful. The hand at his throat, though… that was surgical. Its placement told him everything. If he twitched the wrong way, he'd be unconscious before he hit the ground.
Zane's voice was low. Measured. Almost bored.
"I'll let go," he said calmly, "but scream… and I break your jaw before the second syllable."
A long beat.
Kai gave a shaky nod.
The hand released. Kai stumbled back, inhaling sharply. Somehow, the rooftop air felt colder now than it had moments ago.
"I-I wasn't trying to—"
Zane raised a hand, silencing him. "You were following me. I let you. I wanted to see how far you'd go."
Kai opened his mouth again—then closed it. This wasn't a conversation between equals. He knew better.
Zane stepped forward, eyes calm but unreadable.
"Who sent you?"
Kai hesitated.
Zane leaned in slightly, voice cold. "I saw you head straight for the basement after I left. Do you really want to test my patience?"
That did it.
"I'm just an errand boy for the boss," Kai said quickly. "I was told to tail you and send coordinates. That's all. I swear."
Zane placed a hand on his chin, thoughtful. "This 'boss'… runs the outskirts, right? Who is he?"
"You must be new around here," Kai said, voice low. "The boss isn't someone you mess with. He's the younger brother of this zone's ruler—and one of the top five strongest fighters. He's level 150."
Zane's eyes narrowed slightly. So that's why this place reeks of fear.
If the ruler is his brother, that means he basically owns the military, too.
"What about the ruler?" Zane asked. "What level?"
"No one knows for sure," Kai said, swallowing hard. "But most say… between 180 and 200."
Zane smiled faintly. "I like your cooperation. Threat of death seems to bring out your helpful side."
Kai flinched. "P-please. I don't want trouble."
Zane gave a casual shrug. "Relax. I just need information. And you, being an errand boy, probably know a lot. So… are you in? Or do I end it here?"
Kai's lips parted, then shut. He looked away, then finally nodded. "Okay…"
They exchanged contact info.
But inwardly, Kai was deeply unsettled. This man wasn't normal. He didn't act like someone who was simply strong—he acted like someone who didn't care how strong others were.
Zane checked the connection, then looked back at him.
"You were sending coordinates, right?" he asked. "Does that mean someone's on their way here?"
Kai nodded reluctantly. "Yeah. A level 64 swordsman. Should arrive soon."
Zane smiled again. "Perfect. Then you'll put on a little act. Keep tailing me."
Kai blinked. "What?"
"To avoid suspicion," Zane said, already turning toward the rooftop exit. "You're still tailing me. Just not for them anymore."
Kai didn't move at first. His legs were numb. His throat dry. But he followed.
Because the swordsman might be strong—
But Zane?
Zane wasn't a fighter.
He was something worse.
---
Zane descended the stairs, walking steadily and alert. He sensed someone approaching Kai—the swordsman had arrived. To avoid drawing attention, Zane slipped into a quiet, empty alley and came to a stop just as the swordsman stepped into view.
The man's eyes scanned Zane, evaluating. Heavy armor, polished blade at his side—level 64 wasn't something to brush off.
Zane met his gaze without flinching, face expressionless.
"So," the swordsman said, voice low and measured, "you're the one who took out the Red Mace unit. Didn't expect you to walk out clean. You using some kind of artifact? You're just a kid—that's the only explanation."
Zane's lips curled slightly. "Artifacts? Don't even know what those are. Why would I need one to beat up weaklings?"
The swordsman's eyes hardened. "You're playing a dangerous game, kid. But don't worry—I'll end it here for you."
"Danger's just part of the scenery," Zane replied coolly. "What's your move?"
The man's hand hovered over his hilt. "Bring you in. Alive if I can. Dead if I can't. I prefer the latter."
Zane's smile widened. "Let's see if you can."
Zane remembered he wanted to test something.
His system claimed he had high durability—but what did that actually mean? There was only one way to find out.
He decided to take a direct hit.
The swordsman didn't waste time. With a quick motion, he drew his blade and activated a speed boost, closing the distance in a flash. He raised his sword—and brought it down with full force.
Crack!
The blade snapped clean in half the moment it struck Zane's shoulder.
Zane touched the spot, mildly surprised. There was pain, sure—but it was faint. Barely more than an insect bite.
The swordsman staggered back, eyes wide.
What the hell just happened? What's wrong with this kid?
That hit should've cut clean through. No way he's not using an artifact… but what kind? Without knowing, I can't predict anything.
He leapt backward, creating space.
"Oho… didn't think your artifact was tough enough to tank my strike," he said, forcing a smirk. "But don't worry. The next one will be your end."
He summoned a heavy, two-handed sword. It glowed with a deep, pulsing purple light—clearly enhanced. Its power crackled in the air.
Then he charged.
This time, he aimed for Zane's neck. A decapitation strike—fast, brutal, and final.
Zane didn't move.
He just watched.
And when the sword hit—
—it sent him flying, smashing straight through the side of a nearby building.
Kai, who had been watching from a distance, sensed something was off. If it was an artifact, it usually enhanced just one thing—speed, strength, or defense.
But if it was defense, how had Zane managed to take down those guys in the basement so easily?
Something about this didn't add up.