Thorne & Cloakmen POV
Thorne POV — A Routine Dungeon Run Turns Deadly
The dungeon entrance was quiet, too quiet for comfort. I adjusted my grip on my sword, muscles tensing as I entered, ready for traps, monsters, or rival adventurers. My senses, honed by years of combat, picked up the faintest shifts in the air—the whisper of footsteps, the metallic scrape of armor, the subtle scent of poison.
[SYSTEM — NOR ALERT]
Thorne's Health: 100% | Mana: 80% | Stamina: 95%
Nearby Threats Detected: Multiple humanoid intruders (4) | Stealth Level: High | Danger: Medium-High
I froze, scanning the shadows. Four figures cloaked in dark fabrics moved like wraiths, surrounding me silently from different angles. Ambush.
"Not good," I muttered, drawing my sword as the first figure lunged.
---
Cloakmen POV — The Plan
From the shadows, we watched the warrior known as Thorne approach. Orders were clear: neutralize him quickly, poison if necessary, and retreat before any reinforcements could arrive. He was a threat to our employer's plans, but not unbeatable—if we followed the strategy precisely.
One whispered, "Remember, no room for error. Poison first, overwhelm second."
Another nodded, eyes glinting in the dim torchlight. Our synchronized movements were flawless—or so we believed.
[SYSTEM — TEMPEST ALERT]
Enemy Status: Target identified as Thorne (Warrior Class) | Strength: High | Combat Potential: Very High
Recommendation: Ambush with poison | Coordination Required
We advanced. Precision, timing, and deception were our allies.
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Thorne POV — The Attack Begins
The first man struck with a dagger tipped in a dark green liquid. I twisted my body, deflecting the blow with the flat of my blade. Another came from behind, swinging a poisoned sword.
[SYSTEM — AKENE ALERT]
Incoming Poison Detected | Type: Neurotoxin | Immediate Action: Use antidote skill or defensive maneuver
I activated my defensive reflexes, stepping back and slashing to disarm the second assailant. The blade met the ground with a clang, sparks flying. My system notified me instantly:
[SYSTEM — NOR ALERT]
Skill Recommendation: Counterattack + Precision Strike | Expected Outcome: 75% success against multiple opponents
With a swift motion, I executed the counterattack, hitting one of the cloakmen squarely in the shoulder. He staggered, but did not fall. These weren't ordinary bandits—they were skilled assassins.
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Cloakmen POV — Underestimating the Warrior
"What? How—he's reacting too fast!" one hissed, glancing at his comrades.
The leader snapped orders. "Focus! Use the poison—don't get sloppy!"
Despite their coordination, Thorne's skill and speed were extraordinary. Each attack I had planned was countered almost before it landed.
[SYSTEM — SUPREME ALERT]
Thorne Skill Detected: Warrior Reflexes + Counter Mastery | Probability of Ambush Success: 30%
Panic flickered briefly among us, but the plan required precision and patience. We adjusted, attempting to flank him again.
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Thorne POV — Fight Escalates
The fight was brutal. Every swing of my sword, every defensive stance, was accompanied by a flood of system notifications, keeping me aware of health, stamina, enemy movement, and environmental hazards.
[SYSTEM — TEMPEST ALERT]
Threat Analysis: Multiple opponents (4) | Combat Difficulty: High | Recommended Action: Isolate and neutralize one at a time
I leapt to the side, landing with a roll that positioned me behind a fallen boulder. The lead cloakman lunged forward—too slow. A precise strike from my sword sent him sprawling, groaning in pain.
Two remained, circling warily, eyes darting, recognizing the lethal skill of the warrior before them.
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Cloakmen POV — Desperation
The surviving men exchanged glances. "He's too strong. Pull back?" one whispered.
"No," hissed the leader. "We cannot fail. We finish this now, or the mission is over."
They coordinated a double attack, hoping to overwhelm Thorne simultaneously. But his movements were faster than expected, his system-enhanced reflexes predicting the strikes.
[SYSTEM — NOR ALERT]
Enemy Flanking Attempt Detected | Counter Strategy Recommended: Displacement + Precision Strike
Thorne struck preemptively, using the system's guidance to target their weaknesses. One man fell, poisoned blade clattering uselessly to the ground. Only the leader remained.
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Thorne POV — Victory and Reflection
The final assailant froze for a brief heartbeat, assessing me. Pride, fear, and desperation all mingled in his eyes. I advanced, sword at the ready.
"Enough," I said firmly. "Retreat, or face defeat."
The man hesitated—and then ran, disappearing into the shadows. I exhaled slowly, the tension leaving my muscles. My system updated immediately:
[SYSTEM — TEMPEST ALERT]
Threat Neutralized: 3/4 cloakmen defeated | Remaining Threat: 1 | Experience Gained: 750 XP | Gold Reward: 50
Even with system support, the fight had been close. Poisoned blades, coordination, and stealth were deadly, but the experience reminded me that vigilance could never be relaxed.
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Closing Thought — Thorne POV
I wiped my blade clean and checked my gear. The dungeon awaited—more monsters, more challenges, but at least this ambush had been handled. The system had guided my reactions, enhanced my situational awareness, and ensured that no lethal mistake occurred.
Even in the shadows, even when faced with coordinated assassins, REF's adventurers and I would endure. Every threat, every mission, every battle—these were the realities of our world. And I was ready.