The palace guest wing was silent, but Leonardo's mind was racing. He sat on the edge of the silk-covered bed, staring at the blue screen that floated in the dim moonlight. The soft glow of the interface cast long, dancing shadows across the room.
[System Status: Analyzing the King's Shadow Essence...] [New Passive Skill Unlocked: Sovereign Presence (Level 1)]
Suddenly, a cold draft blew through the room. Leonardo's hand shot to the hilt of the Broken Hero's Blade. It wasn't just a breeze; it was the smell of damp earth and iron.
Three figures emerged from the darkest corners of the ceiling. They wore masks carved from obsidian, their eyes glowing with a faint, malicious red light. The Shadow Assassins had arrived.
"The King sends his regards," the leader hissed.
Leonardo didn't blink. He felt the weight of his 4,000 words of destiny behind him. "Tell the King he needs to send more than three shadows to kill a God-slayer."
[Emergency Quest: The Silent Escape!] [Objective: Neutralize the assassins and reach the Northern Gate.]
With a burst of speed, Leonardo activated his Shadow Flash. He didn't just move; he became a part of the darkness himself. The first assassin swung a poisoned dagger, but Leonardo was already behind him.
Clang!
The rusted blade met the assassin's neck.