Chapter 16 : Shadow in Kassir City

Chapter 16: Shadows in Kassir City

Alan had been staying at the Sanail Sower Inn for the past two days, enjoying the brief respite and exploring the bustling city of Kassir. In this time, he had strolled through the vibrant markets, purchasing a few utility items for his return journey. The marketplace was a riot of colors and sounds, with vendors shouting their wares, children laughing and playing, and the rich aroma of spices and street food filling the air. Stalls overflowed with an array of goods: fruits and vegetables, intricately woven fabrics, and handcrafted trinkets. Alan took his time, immersing himself in the lively atmosphere.

The merchant group that he had escorted to Kassir City requested his protection for their return journey through the guild. Alan, now a well-known figure among the adventurers, agreed. His previous companions, Shavin, Alameda, and Felix, had taken another mission, leaving Alan as the sole adventurer to protect the merchants. Despite this, the merchants were confident in his abilities and trusted him completely.

Alan had two more days to spend in Kassir City. Currently, he was strolling through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The stone-paved streets were crowded with people going about their daily lives, the clatter of horse-drawn carriages echoing through the air. Tall buildings lined both sides of the road, their facades adorned with ornate carvings and colorful banners.

Despite the city's lively atmosphere, Alan couldn't shake the feeling that he was being followed.

"Someone is following me…. "

He continued walking, letting his instincts guide him toward a less crowded area. Eventually, he found himself in an empty alleyway, the shadows of the tall buildings casting a gloomy pall over the narrow passage. The alley was littered with debris, and the air smelled faintly of dampness and decay.

Alan turned around and called out to his stalkers, his voice echoing off the brick walls. "You guys can come out..."

A group of five people dressed in full black suits emerged from the shadows. Their faces were hidden behind masks, and their movements were swift and silent. Alan instantly recognized them as assassins. He tried to ask who they were, but they remained silent, their intentions clear from their drawn weapons.

The assassins attacked from all angles, their movements coordinated and lethal. Alan, however, was ready. With his enhanced physical attributes, he decided not to draw his sword, opting instead to use his fists to subdue them. The alleyway became a battleground, the clanging of metal and the sound of fists connecting with flesh filling the air.

Alan moved with agility and precision, dodging their attacks and countering with his own. The first assassin lunged at him, dagger aimed at his chest. Alan sidestepped the attack, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting it with a forceful snap. The dagger clattered to the ground as the assassin cried out in pain. Alan then delivered a powerful punch to the assassin's jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground.

The second assassin came at Alan from behind, slashing at his back. Alan felt the air whistle as the blade narrowly missed him. He spun around, catching the assassin's arm and using the momentum to throw him against the alley wall. The impact was brutal, and the assassin slumped to the ground, dazed.

Two more assassins attacked simultaneously from the sides, their daggers flashing in the dim light. Alan ducked under their synchronized strikes, his reflexes honed from countless battles. He grabbed the nearest assassin by the collar and delivered a knee strike to his stomach, followed by an elbow to the back of the head. The assassin crumpled, unconscious.

The fourth assassin tried to use the distraction to his advantage, aiming a precise thrust at Alan's ribs. Alan caught the blade between his hands, twisting it away and breaking the assassin's grip. He then kicked the man in the chest, sending him flying backward into the fifth assassin, who was rushing forward to join the fray. Both assassins collided and fell in a heap.

Alan stood over them, breathing heavily but unharmed. The last two assassins struggled to their feet, desperation clear in their eyes. Alan advanced on them, his expression cold and determined. One of the assassins made a wild swing with his dagger, but Alan easily sidestepped it, grabbing the man's arm and snapping it with a quick, precise motion. The assassin screamed in agony, dropping his weapon.

The final assassin, seeing his comrades defeated, tried to flee. Alan was faster. He caught the man by the collar and threw him to the ground, pinning him with a knee to the chest. The assassin struggled, but Alan's grip was like iron.

"Who sent you?" Alan demanded, his voice low and menacing.

The assassin remained silent, but after a few painful slashes across his chest, he began to talk.

"An information broker," he gasped. "Her name is Amanda. She runs a brothel in the red district. She paid us half up front and promised the rest when we brought her your head."

Alan's mind raced. He did not know why this woman would target him, but he was determined to find out. "Where exactly can I find her?" he asked, applying pressure to the assassin's wounds.

"She... she's at the Red Velvet Brothel," the assassin choked out. "Near the end of Red Street."

Satisfied, Alan stood up. He couldn't let Amanda know he was coming. He took out one of the assassins' knives and methodically sliced their throats, ensuring they could not warn her. The life essence from the assassins flowed into Alan, unnoticed by anyone but him. It was a large amount, and he could feel its power surging within him.

'It's really surprises me how I could kill these people with so much ease.'

As night fell, Alan prepared himself. He equipped his armor and sword, ready for the confrontation ahead. The streets of Kassir City grew quiet, the bustling marketplace now a ghostly silence. Alan made his way towards the red district, determined to find Amanda and uncover why she had put a price on his head.

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