Ryu's every attempt to flirt with his master Nyx failed spectacularly.
"Good morning, beautiful!"
Ignored.
"Your eyes are like two shiny blades, ready to stab my heart!"
Ignored.
He even tried, "If you kill me with your sword, I'll die a happy man!"
Nyx's cold gaze didn't even flicker. The more she ignored him, the harder he tried. He was like a puppy chasing a cat that wanted nothing to do with him.
---
One afternoon, Queen Qurika came to visit the training grounds.
"Thank you, Nyx," she said warmly, placing a hand on the assassin's shoulder. "For everything you're doing for my little Ryu."
Nyx, sipping her tea without emotion, replied flatly,
"I'm only doing this because I owe you one. After this training, even if you die, I won't care."
Queen Qurika chuckled softly. "You can say that, but I know the truth. You're not as heartless as you act, little Nyxy."
Nyx's cold eyes twitched ever so slightly. Memories surfaced…
---
[Seven Years Ago]
The sound of hooves clattered against the mountain path.
Queen Qurika's royal carriage rolled along the cliffside road, guarded by several soldiers. Mist swirled around the peaks, and the air was sharp and cold.
Suddenly—
SHRING!
A black shadow dropped from the peak, landing atop a soldier. The man's scream was cut short as a dagger pierced his neck.
Chaos erupted.
"Ambush! Protect the Queen!"
The soldiers scrambled, drawing swords, but the shadow moved like smoke. Blades flashed, throats opened, and blood painted the cold stone road.
Inside the carriage, Queen Qurika calmly opened the door. Instead of fear, curiosity sparkled in her eyes.
"So," she said, stepping out, "you must be the famous Nyx… the strongest assassin in the kingdom. Why don't you tell me who hired you?"
Nyx's hooded face tilted slightly.
"…Heh. Since you're about to die, I can grant your last wish. It was King Drakheart's third queen… Fluorescent. She paid me to kill you."
---
Before Nyx could strike, a roar echoed.
From the forest and rocks, S-rank royal soldiers swarmed the path, swords drawn. Their armor gleamed silver as they surrounded the assassin in a deadly circle.
Nyx's cold eyes scanned the battlefield.
"So… this was your plan all along, huh? You wanted to catch me alive."
Queen Qurika folded her arms.
"I needed to know who was behind the attacks. Now I know."
Nyx's smirk returned.
"You think this little army can stop me from killing you? They might give me a few scratches… but you'll still die."
---
Suddenly, two figures descended from the sky like gods.
The 11 Great Warriors of the kingdom—Knight Author and Archer Kiz—landed with a crash, their auras flaring.
"Nyx," the knight's voice boomed, "Queen Fluorescent has been captured. She can no longer pay for your mission. And we do not allow unpaid work."
Kiz nocked an arrow, his aim unshakable.
"Queen Qurika hired us to protect her. We're already paid. Surrender, or die."
Nyx's grin turned feral.
"I don't care about your coins… or your titles…"
TWANG!
In a flash, Kiz's arrow pierced Nyx's hand, making her drop her dagger. She hissed in pain as Author charged forward with his greatsword.
Just as the killing blow was about to fall—
"STOP!" Queen Qurika's voice cut through the battle.
The soldiers and warriors froze.
"Leave her alive. I forgive her."
Nyx blinked in shock.
"You… forgive me?"
"The soldiers you killed were traitors," the Queen said softly. "They were loyal to Fluorescent, not me. Besides… I can see in your eyes, Nyx. You're not a monster. Not completely."
For the first time, Nyx felt something strange. A warmth she hadn't known in years.
---
[Present Time]
Nyx sat quietly, sipping tea with Queen Qurika in the palace garden.
"I still don't understand," Nyx muttered. "I could never defeat two Great Warriors at once. I should've died that day… yet you forgave me."
"That's why you're here today, Nyx," the Queen said with a knowing smile. "Because some hearts can still be saved."
Suddenly—
BANG!
A guard burst into the garden, gasping.
"Your Majesty! Master Ryu is in danger!"
Nyx's cup shattered in her hand. Her cold eyes narrowed.
"…Who dares?"