The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

The city pulsed under the neon haze of late evening, but Raizen moved unseen, weaving through the shadows of the high-rise district. His system displayed the final target's whereabouts—a luxury tower owned by House Valen, deep in hostile territory. This mercenary wasn't hiding in some gambling den or black-market alley—he was expecting a fight.

[Tracking Target: Kael Voss – Combat Rating: E4]

Unlike the others, Kael was a professional assassin. Stealth, precision, and ruthlessness defined his reputation. If Raizen made a mistake, there wouldn't be a second chance.

He climbed onto the rooftop of an adjacent building, scanning the penthouse balcony where Kael was reportedly holed up. A single light glowed from inside, the faint silhouette of a man moving through the room.

The system chimed.

[Mission Update: Stealth Approach Recommended]

Raizen exhaled. This wasn't about brute strength. This was about the hunt.

Slipping across the gap between buildings, Raizen landed silently on the penthouse balcony. His stealth-weave suit minimized his heat signature, but he still took careful steps toward the door, keeping his breathing controlled.

Inside, Kael Voss stood near a console, scanning reports on a holographic display. His tall frame was lean, his every movement precise. A long serrated dagger rested on the counter beside him—a weapon designed for a silent kill.

Raizen moved, reaching for his blade.

A second too late.

Kael turned sharply, eyes locking onto him. "Took you long enough."

He was waiting.

Without hesitation, Kael lunged.

Raizen barely deflected the first strike as the assassin's blade carved through the air, inches from his throat. The force of the attack sent him sliding back, and Kael followed up immediately, pressing the assault.

[Draconic Reflex Boost Activated]

Raizen twisted, evading another lethal slash. Kael was fast—faster than the other two mercenaries combined. He needed to change tactics.

Pivoting on his heel, Raizen used the assassin's momentum against him, parrying a thrust and countering with a vicious knee to the ribs. Kael staggered, but recovered almost instantly, spinning with a reverse slash that nicked Raizen's shoulder.

A sharp sting. First blood drawn.

Kael smirked. "Not bad, but you're sloppy."

Raizen rolled his shoulder, feeling the heat of his bloodline stirring. The wound didn't weaken him—it fueled him.

Kael lunged again, but this time, Raizen met him head-on.

His Draconic strength surged, his speed amplifying as he slipped past Kael's defense. A brutal elbow to the jaw sent the assassin reeling.

Raizen pressed forward, his strikes becoming faster, sharper. A feint to the left, a downward kick—Kael barely dodged, his movements growing desperate.

The moment he faltered, Raizen ended it.

A spinning kick caught Kael's temple, sending him crashing into the glass console. His dagger clattered to the floor as he slumped, unconscious.

The system pulsed.

[Mission Complete: All Targets Neutralized]

Raizen exhaled, stepping over the fallen assassin. House Valen's mercenaries were gone. But he knew this was only the beginning.

The real battle was coming. And he would be ready.