The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

Raizen moved swiftly through the winding alleys of the lower district, his cloak wrapped around him to keep a low profile. The system had marked the next mercenary's last known location—a gambling den controlled by House Valen.

The system chimed.

[Tracking Target: Vex Torrin – Combat Rating: E3]

Unlike the first, Vex was an enforcer, not a soldier. He was a brutal fighter, known for crushing debts and extracting payments through force. Raizen suspected he was just as violent when dealing with enemies.

He entered the den casually, scanning the crowd. The air was thick with smoke and tension. The clatter of dice, the clicking of credit chips, and the occasional outburst of frustration filled the room.

There—a large man sitting near the center, surrounded by a pile of winnings. Vex was drinking, laughing loudly, completely unaware of his impending fate.

Raizen approached the bar and leaned against it, waiting for the right moment. He wouldn't rush this one. A direct fight here would cause too much commotion.

Instead, he waited until Vex left for a private room, likely to secure his winnings. Perfect.

Raizen followed, slipping through the dim corridors, silent as a shadow.

When Vex turned the corner, Raizen struck. A brutal chop to the back of the neck sent the mercenary stumbling forward.

"What the—"

Raizen didn't give him time to react. He followed up with a spinning kick, slamming Vex into the wall.

The enforcer roared, shaking off the daze faster than expected. He swung a heavy fist, grazing Raizen's shoulder, but Raizen had already repositioned, his blade flashing forward. A shallow cut across Vex's ribs slowed him down.

The system pulsed.

[Draconic Bloodline Effect – Reflex Boost Active]

Vex lunged again, but Raizen anticipated it. He sidestepped, grabbing the mercenary's wrist and twisting it sharply. A sickening crack echoed through the hallway.

Vex howled in pain, his knees buckling. Raizen grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the ground. Hard.

He crouched over the groaning enforcer, pressing a dagger to his throat. "Tell your bosses," Raizen said coldly, "that hunting me is a mistake."

Vex coughed, nodding weakly. He wasn't going to be fighting again anytime soon.

The system chimed.

[Target Neutralized – One Left]

Raizen exhaled, stepping away. Two down. One more to go.