But Xavier was already moving.
His body blurred through the smoke, instincts sharper than sight. He found the leader's presence, the faint sound of breath, the shift of air against his skin.
Crack—!
His boot slammed into the man's neck with crushing force.
"Ghh—! Fuck!"
A pained groan tore out of the masked leader as he staggered back, gritting his teeth against the force of the blow.
"Scatter!" he roared, his voice ripping through the smoke.
The others obeyed instantly, their bodies already in motion. Like phantoms in the mist, they vanished into the Dust Veil, blades flashing as they darted at the guards.
The once-perfect formation trembled as shadows cut through it, the sound of steel clashing against steel echoing through the black haze.
Xavier's eyes narrowed, his muscles tensing, his senses widening. The air was alive with killing intent.
"This won't be easy…" Xavier muttered, stepping deeper into the swirling black haze, his aura burning cold and sharp.
