Extra's Fate

The Flaming Death gang.

It is a fearsome criminal organization located in one of the ports of Shadowblight Empire, more specifically - in the slums.

In 'The Shattered Realms' it was one of the gangs that had close connections with Dark Magicians and kidnapped slum inhabitants to conduct various unethical experiments and rituals on them.

However, that wasn't the only reason they were so dominant.

If you played the game, you'd know that in their stronghold, the Flaming Death gang had hidden a Dungeon.

Although it was of the lowest grade, it allowed them to secure a stable flow of income and resources.

It was also the reason why I came here…

To clear the Dungeon and absorb as many attributes as I could.

***

Tap… Tap…

Two pairs of footsteps echoed through the well-lit corridors.

The thug led the way, his movements stiff and shaky, while I followed closely behind, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats.

As we walked, the silence was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Several gang members rounded the corner ahead of us, their eyes narrowing in suspicion.

However, before they could react, I activated my skill.

『 Shadow Step 』

In an instant, I disappeared from sight, reappearing silently in the shadows behind them.

My blade flashed in the dim light and I slit their throats with swift, precise movements. Blood sprayed across the walls, and their bodies crumpled to the ground.

The thug escorting me winced at the sight, his face pale and his steps faltering.

We continued our journey, encountering more gang members along the way.

Each time, I used my skill to dispatch them quickly and quietly, their lifeless forms falling to the ground without a sound.

The thug's fear grew with each kill, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he realized the fate that awaited him if he tried to deceive me.

As we walked, we passed through a corridor lined with glass windows. I narrowed my eyes, glancing through one of the tinted panes.

Inside the room, rows of beds stretched out, each occupied by a motionless figure. Strange tubes and wires connected the occupants to various machines, and the faint hum of electronics filled the air.

The sight sent a chill down my spine.

'They're experimenting on humans.'

I had almost forgotten about this…

My grip tightened on the hilt of my sword and I pressed the blade even closer to the thug's neck.

He flinched, a whimper escaping his lips.

"Keep moving."

I hissed, my voice cold and unyielding.

The thug's steps grew more erratic, his fear palpable. He knew there was no escape, no mercy to be found here.

Another group of gang members appeared ahead, their eyes widening in surprise as they saw us.

Once again, I vanished, reappearing among them like a shadow of death.

My blade danced through the air, cutting down each one with lethal efficiency. The corridor was soon littered with bodies, the metallic scent of blood hanging in the air.

The thug stumbled forward, his steps growing increasingly unsteady. He led me to a heavy door at the end of the corridor, glancing back at me with a mixture of terror and desperation.

"This is it…"

He whispered, his voice trembling.

I nodded, my expression unreadable.

The door loomed before us, a barrier between me and the gang's superior.

"Open it."

I commanded, pressing the blade against his neck just enough to draw a thin line of blood.

With shaking hands, the thug reached for the door handle and pushed it open. The heavy door creaked as it swung inward, revealing a dimly lit room beyond.

I stepped through the doorway, my senses heightened as I scanned the room.

The dim light revealed an opulent space filled with luxurious furnishings that starkly contrasted with the grim corridors we had traversed.

A large desk stood at the far end, behind which sat a man with a sinister aura. His eyes glinted with malice as he rose to his feet, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Who are you?"

He said, his voice dripping with contempt.

"You must be quite dumb if you dared to intrude the stronghold of the Flaming Death gang aren't you?"

Ignoring his words, I turned my attention to the thug who had led me here. He was trembling, his eyes wide with fear.

I pressed the blade of my sword harder against his neck, feeling the slight resistance of his skin beneath the edge.

"Thank you for your service."

I whispered coldly.

With one swift, fluid motion, I drew the blade across his throat, severing flesh and muscle.

Blood spurted out in a crimson arc as he gasped, his hands clutching at his neck in a futile attempt to stem the flow. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, filled with terror and betrayal, before the light faded from them and he crumpled to the floor.

I stepped over his lifeless body, my gaze now fixed on the gang's superior.

He watched me with a mixture of amusement and disdain, his fingers drumming on the desk as if he found the entire situation mildly entertaining.

"You dare cut one of my men like a hot knife through butter before me?"

He remarked, his tone nonchalant.

"Impressive, but ultimately futile."

I said nothing, my grip tightening on my sword.

This man was the source of the Flaming Death gang's power, the one who orchestrated the kidnappings and experiments.

He needed to be eliminated.

"You're just another pawn."

He continued, stepping around the desk.

"A disposable tool sent by someone too cowardly to face me themselves."

I had no clue what he was talking about.

As he approached, I activated my skill once more.

『 Shadow Step 』

In an instant, I disappeared from sight, moving silently to flank him. He spun around, eyes wide with surprise, but it was too late. I reappeared behind him, my blade flashing as I aimed for his throat.

To my surprise, he managed to dodge, his reflexes quicker than I had anticipated.

My sword sliced through the air, missing its mark by mere inches. He smirked, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"You're fast."

He admitted.

"But how long can you keep this up?"