Not human?

The sharp, searing pain coursed through her nerves, jolting every cell in her body into action. The killing instinct within her was on the verge of erupting.

That single stab triggered Mia's awakening ability, [Deadly Pain]. Her aura surged, growing stronger by the second. On her right wrist, a bracelet displayed a glowing indicator:

Pain Level: 10%

"Huh?"

The young man in the leather jacket immediately sensed something was wrong. He tried to pull his alloy dagger back, but Mia's grip was like a steel vice. No matter how hard he struggled, the blade wouldn't budge.

In his frantic attempts to free the weapon, the dagger sank even deeper into her flesh. Blood oozed out, dripping through Mia's fingers.

The pain level continued to rise.

15%.

Crack!

Mia suddenly exerted force, snapping the blade in half with her bare hands. Holding the broken shard, she lunged straight for the man's temple.

Thud!