Chapitre 6: Cornered Thief

Adrian was a fifth-level battle mage, with combat experience sharpened by countless battles. His new hero panel had boosted his perception to a remarkable 17, and when the four assassins had made their move, he spotted them instantly, already prepared for their ambush. Each swing of his blade was swift and lethal, dispatching the thieves with a single stroke each. The strength he wielded—almost at an extraordinary level—made it nearly impossible for anyone of their skill to survive.

When he'd first entered the warehouse, he'd taken down Brandon, showing the full force of his brutal strength. After that, by quickly dispatching the ambush without hesitation, he had achieved exactly what he intended: pure intimidation. He knew that Tyro, though a fourth-level thief with experience, was cautious by nature. A head-on clash might end badly for Adrian, especially with Tyro's men backing him up. Although Adrian was confident in his abilities, he was no fool. Taking on a dozen opponents in a direct assault, where they'd all swarm him at once, could turn ugly.

The hero panel had given him new powers and spells unique to the Enraged Magus, which could level the odds, but using them would be taxing, and Tyro simply wasn't worth it. Caius was the real problem; Tyro was just a pawn.

Fortunately, his display of power had the effect he'd hoped for. None of Tyro's men dared make the first move, and Tyro, too hesitant to give the order, only watched with narrowed eyes as Adrian strode past him and into the back compartment of the warehouse.

Inside, Adrian found his comrade Kuro and the rest of his team, shackled and bruised. Kuro had been tied to a beam, his wrists bound with rough ropes, and his body showed signs of a harsh beating. Around him lay his squad—his trusted team of twelve, now down to eight. Four of his men were lifeless on the ground, and three others were barely breathing, their injuries severe.

Hearing the heavy footfalls, Kuro opened his eyes, lifting his head with effort. "Boss Adrian," he murmured, relief flickering in his gaze. "You're finally here..."

Adrian's jaw clenched as he took in the scene. "Was it Tyro?"

Kuro's green-brown eyes burned with fury. "Yes, that coward. He poisoned our food and trapped us here. Lance, Aaron, Gray, Iron—all gone because of him." Kuro's voice cracked, rage smouldering beneath his bruises.

Wordlessly, Adrian cut Kuro and the other survivors free, his movements calm but controlled. "Tyro will pay for this," he promised.

Adrian left the compartment, his gaze dark and fixed as he approached the group still outside. Tyro managed a nervous smile as Adrian stepped into view.

"Brother Adrian," Tyro said, forcing friendliness into his voice. "It's all a misunderstanding..."

"Oh, I'll 'misunderstand' plenty in a moment," Adrian replied, his tone chilling.

The moment the words left his mouth, he sprang forward, his feet digging into the ground as he launched himself at Tyro like a human storm.

Tyro's face paled. In desperation, he flung a handful of throwing knives at Adrian and shouted to his men, "Stop him! Now!"

"Who dares stand in my way?" Adrian roared, his voice reverberating through the space.

But this was more than just a shout; it was his first time using one of the Enraged Magus's powers in combat.

With his enraged cry skill, Adrian unleashed such a force that most of Tyro's men froze in their tracks, eyes wide with fear. Only one half-orc warrior braved an attempt to intervene, stepping forward in a half-hearted charge only to meet Adrian's blade with no resistance as Adrian's strength severed him from the fight with a single, calculated swing.

Tyro, now panicked, muttered, "Useless cowards!" He glanced at his men, already thinking about how he'd make them pay later for hesitating when he needed them most. But for now, he had only one thought: survival.

As Adrian drew closer, Tyro frantically hurled another throwing knife. Adrian barely reacted; he shifted his shoulder just enough to avoid any vital areas, letting the blade stick into his armor, undeterred by the hit.

Desperation surged in Tyro's gaze as he drew his dagger, attempting to sidestep the charging Adrian. He barely had time to react as Adrian's sword swung toward him in a flash of steel, forcing him to dodge backward. His heart pounded as he realised just how far in over his head he was.

Adrian moved like a force of nature, his sword slashing with the unrelenting power of his fury. Tyro barely managed to evade, his own agility the only thing keeping him from Adrian's blade. He tried to steady himself, hoping to catch Adrian in a vulnerable moment, but Adrian's skill was far beyond what he could handle alone.

Breathless and increasingly cornered, Tyro looked to his remaining men, but none dared approach Adrian now. In their eyes, Adrian had become a figure of unstoppable strength, and they hesitated, uncertain whether loyalty to Tyro was worth defying Adrian's fury.

Seeing no aid from his men, Tyro's face twisted in frustration. "Are you all useless?" he spat, though fear was now clear in his voice.