Chapter 101: Built Different Part 2

Seeing Arias so confident, the two assassins looked more cautious; they hadn't expected him to be so willing to fight. In truth, he could dispatch them both easily, but he could feel another hostile presence not far away. 

It was clear the third party was either observing or waiting for an opportunity to attack. Whatever the case, Arias intended to use this scenario to give a false image to them. 

The first assassin charged forward, her kunai aimed at Arias's chest. He sidestepped her attack with ease, as if his reflexes were honed to perfection. He grabbed her wrist and twisted it, eliciting a cry of pain from the woman. He was quick to disarm her, tossing the kunai aside before turning his attention to the second assassin. 

She was more skilled than the first, her movements graceful and fluid. Arias was impressed by her agility and precision, but she couldn't match him. They circled each other, their eyes locked in a deadly stare as they assessed each other's strengths and weaknesses. 

The second assassin was the first to strike, her kunai flashing through the air towards Arias's face. He ducked and weaved, his movements so swift that it almost seemed like he was anticipating her every move. He countered with a swift kick to her knee, which caused her to stumble backwards. 

Arias followed up with a series of punches and kicks, each one aimed at the woman's weak points. She was able to block most of his attacks, but he was gradually wearing her down. She seemed to be tiring, and he saw an opening. 

He feinted to the left, then quickly switched direction and landed a hard punch to the woman's ribs. She let out a cry of pain and dropped her kunai, gasping for breath. Arias quickly disarmed her and tossed her weapon aside. 

The first assassin had recovered from the wrist twist and was back on her feet, ready to rejoin the fight. Arias was inwardly smirking; at the very least, his observer would see that he was a skilled fighter… but nothing more. Not knowing that this very little misinformation would lead to dire consequences for her and her organization. 

The two assassins circled Arias, their eyes cold and calculating. He could feel their energy shifting as they prepared to launch another attack. He was ready for them, though, and he waited for the right moment. 

The second assassin was the first to make a move, lunging forward with fierce determination. Arias stepped aside, his foot sweeping out to knock her off balance. She stumbled and fell, but she was quick to recover. She rolled over and leaped to her feet, ready to continue the fight. 

The first assassin was more cautious, circling Arias and waiting for an opening. He knew that she was biding her time, waiting for him to make a mistake. He had to be careful not to give her any opportunities. 

For several minutes, the three of them fought back and forth, exchanging blows and dodging attacks. It was like a deadly dance, each one moving with grace and precision as they tried to gain the upper hand. On Arias's part, it was a very convincing display. 

Finally, as if Arias saw his opening, the first assassin overextended herself, leaving herself vulnerable for a split second. He seized the opportunity, striking her hard in the stomach with a powerful kick. She doubled over in pain, dropping her kunai as she struggled to catch her breath. 

Arias quickly disarmed her and tossed the weapon aside before turning his attention back to the second assassin. She was still fighting, but her movements were slower now, and Arias could see that she was tiring. He waited for the right moment, then launched himself at her with a flurry of punches and kicks. 

She tried to block and dodge, but he was too quick. Within seconds, Arias had disarmed the second assassin and had her pinned against the wall. She struggled to break free, but he was too strong. He held her wrists in a tight grip, his eyes boring into hers. 

"You're done," he said, his voice cold and authoritative. "It's over." 

The second assassin looked up at him, her eyes blazing with hatred. "You may have won this time," she spat, "but we'll be back; we won't stop until we have your head." 

Arias chuckled, a dark edge to his laughter. "I doubt that," he said. "You're outmatched and outclassed. Quite frankly, you're only alive now because I found your little attempt on my life entertaining." 

He released her wrists and stepped back, allowing her to slump to the floor. She glared up at him, but he ignored her and turned his attention to the first assassin. 

She was still doubled over, gasping for air. Arias walked over to her and grabbed her by the hair, forcing her to look up at him. "How about you?" he asked, his voice low and menacing. "I doubt whoever sent you will be pleased that your organization failed to kill me twice now." 

The first assassin sneered at him, her eyes filled with venom. "You don't scare us," she said, her voice laced with defiance. 

Arias tightened his grip on her hair, his expression turning cold. "Oh? But you should be scared, very scared," he said. "You just tried to kill me. That's not something that goes unrepaid. Unfortunately, you're nothing more than a disposable tool; your death would be meaningless, and my words are wasted on you. So do me a favor and relay what I said to your superiors." 

He released her hair and stepped back, watching as she scrambled to her feet. She looked at him, her eyes filled with fear and hatred. Then she turned and ran, disappearing out the door along with her compatriot. 

At the same time, the third party who observed the entire scene from an opposite building wore an ugly expression. It was one thing to fail, but to do so in such a humiliating manner… 

"The Master shall not be pleased…" she murmured.