Elian and Akito stood among the gloomy trees, peering into the mist-covered forest. The air was tense, as if nature itself was holding its breath.
"Young master, it may take time before he awakens," Elian noted calmly, slightly lowering his head.
"You're right… Let's head home. We've got other things to do tomorrow," Akito replied, removing his hand from his sword's hilt.
The forest faded away, replaced by the familiar setting of their apartment. Ardan lay lazily on the couch, Targus, as usual, was messing with food, and Elian sat on the floor, slipping straight into meditation. Akito quietly moved to the kitchen, prepared a meal, and sat at the table while opening the system panel.
[Player Profile: Akito]
• Attack: 560
• HP: 600
• Mana: 9138 / 17500
• Age: 18
• Height: 182 cm
• Weight: 78 kg
Skills:
Steel Will (Lv.3) | Victor (Lv.3) | Eye of Truth (Lv.3) | Merciless (Lv.2)
Stats:
• Strength: 25 / ∞ [+]
• Speed: 30 / ∞ [+]
• Endurance: 21 / ∞ [+]
• Health: 25 / ∞ [+]
• Energy: 35 / ∞ [+]
• Bonus Points: 70
"Time to boost a little," he mumbled, chewing a piece of meat.
[+5 Strength] — Attack increased: 560 → 660
[+20 Speed] — Overall speed significantly boosted
[+19 Endurance]
[+10 Health] — HP: 600 → 800
[+16 Energy] — Mana: 17500 → 25500
Scrolling through his inventory, he only found a sword and 41,000 enni.
"I'll save up. Maybe exchange it for real money later… alright, done," he said aloud and closed the window.
And then… he felt it.
Someone was sitting nearby.
He turned—at the table sat a man in crimson armor, with two swords and a short beard. Their eyes met. Without a word, the stranger drew his blade and slashed. Akito barely reacted in time, drawing his own and deflecting the blow.
Fast… flashed through his mind. He had just barely kept up.
"Hmph… Not bad for a rookie," the samurai smirked, calmly sheathing his sword. "But your technique's trash. I'll fix it."
A system prompt appeared:
[Guardian #4 Activated]
[Guardian #4]
Name: ??? [Add Name]
Level: 200
Rank: A
Role: Assassin
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 78 kg
Age: 420+
Skills: Seishin no Dōjō – Duel of Spirit (Max) | Hakuyonsho Rendan – 144 Strike Combo (Lv.1) | Yami no Kiri – Mist of Darkness (Lv.1)
"An A-rank right off the bat?" Akito squinted. "His speed… even my eyes couldn't follow."
"I'll call you… Kenshi," he declared.
Kenshi didn't answer. He just huffed and stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth.
Akito turned to head to the living room—when he heard it:
"Akito, behind you!" Ardan shouted, springing to his feet. Elian already had his crossbow out, and Targus gripped his axe.
Akito whipped around.
Kenshi was right behind him. Silent. Too close.
"Hold on," Akito stopped them. "It's fine. He's my new Guardian."
Silence hung in the air. After a moment, Targus lowered his weapon. Ardan smirked too.
"Just don't eat chips without asking."
"Relax, chunky," Kenshi muttered lazily without even glancing at him.
Targus raised a brow.
"What did you say?!" he roared and lunged forward, swinging—only to strike empty air.
Kenshi was already behind him, casually patting his back.
"Drop a few pounds, big guy. You might land a hit next time."
"Kenshi!" Akito called. "You said you'd help improve my swordsmanship. Let's start now."
"Sure," the samurai yawned. "But first… let them test my mood. If they win—I'll teach you. For now… I'm lazy."
"I'm in," Ardan smirked, already opening a portal.
A flash—and they were in the familiar empty dimension. The space pulsed, as if reacting to the presence of the Guardians.
"Perfect!" Targus slammed his fists together, sending a shockwave through the ground.
"I have no intention of—" Elian began, but Kenshi appeared right in front of him, tapping his shoulder.
"You're in too, pale one."
And vanished.
"How is he—" Akito couldn't finish. His eyes darted left, but Kenshi had already disappeared again. "Smooth, almost invisible movements. He leaves nothing but a shadow. But no way he can take all three at once…"
Kenshi stood alone to the right. Ardan, Targus, and Elian stood shoulder to shoulder on the left. The fight was almost unfair.
Kenshi drew both swords… and casually tossed them toward Akito.
"I won't need these."
"You bug. I'll crush you!" Targus roared, activating [Jotun's Blood]. His body swelled with power, veins pulsing as he charged forward with his axe raised.
"I'll hang back and support," Elian whispered, activating [Forest Crossbow].
But he didn't even get into position—something flickered nearby. A hit. Elian was sent flying, only hearing:
"Don't get distracted, elf."
Ardan was already on him—sparks flared as Kenshi blocked with crossed scabbards.
"Nice, elf-ears. Not bad."
Then, Targus came down from above—an avalanche of brute-force strikes that cracked the space itself. The ground trembled. The air vibrated with their might.
But Kenshi…
He just stood there.
No tension. No emotion. Just a calm, cold stare.
"They've entered their battle modes…" Akito noted to himself. "Let's see how long Kenshi holds out."
[Noxveil]
Hey there, reader!
If you've made it this far, thank you so much. I'm writing this story in Russian and translating it into English — so I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Even one small comment gives me huge motivation 💬💙
Let me know who your favorite character is so far!