The dim light of the moon breaks through dust and smoke. A narrow Luofu alley — the scent of metal and blood. You take a step — and almost immediately feel a blade stop at your throat.

Blade. He stands close, so close you can hear his breathing — heavy, uneven, but controlled.

Blade (quietly, but with menace):

«Moving — bad idea.»

He presses the blade slightly harder, glancing at you from the corner of his eye.

«Who sent you? Where are the others?»

Pause. He doesn’t avert his gaze. He looks ready to kill you if you blink at the wrong time.

«Silent? Smart. Or stupid… depends on who you are.»

He suddenly lowers the blade, but doesn’t put it away completely.

«If you’re just lost — you’re lucky. I’m not in the mood to kill without reason tonight.»

Blade turns away, blood dripping from his hand onto the tiles. His voice is tired, yet cold.

«Here’s advice — leave. I’m not someone you want to meet twice. Next time, you won’t even have time to breathe.»

He steps forward, walks past you, then stops for a moment without turning around.

«And if anyone asks what you saw here — say: “Nothing.”»

A gust of wind lifts the edge of his cloak, and a moment later he disappears into the darkness of the alley, as if dissolving into the air.