The assassin's eyes widened in disbelief.
Even if he had attempted to kill his opponent, the moment he invoked the name of the Dark Blood Kingdom, the expected response was absolute submission. Everyone in the Dark Blood Realm knew its authority. One lowered their head, expressed gratitude for being spared, and accepted whatever outcome followed.
Never—not even in his worst imagination—had he considered the possibility of encountering someone reckless enough to continue attacking after hearing that name.
And not just continue.
The killing intent coming from Cain had grown even stronger.
A surge of instinctive terror exploded within the assassin's soul. He could feel it clearly—if the second strike landed, he would not survive.
"Damn it!" he roared inwardly.
Without hesitation, one of the rings on his finger shattered.
A surge of dark power erupted instantly, coating his entire body in blazing black flames.
"BOOOOOOOOOOM!"
