The Kryndal training hub was bustling with activity. Evolists of varying ranks from 1-Star to 3-Star filled the wide arena-like spaces.
They were evolving their own beasts for training or their client's best for business.
This facility, while crucial to the Kryndal family's operations, maintained a simple routine.
Guards, all 4-Star Tamers, patrolled lazily, confident in their superiority over the lower-ranked Evolists within.
But the guards underestimated their station. The Kryndal family's top security was allocated to hubs hosting 4-Star Evolists and above.
It left this facility's defenses vulnerable—a vulnerability Lucius could exploit.
Assassins 03 and 04 moved silently through the corridors. They easily navigated the maze of training halls and observation chambers.
Their black cloaks blended seamlessly into the dimly lit passages, and their breath was steady, calm, and purposeful.
Their target was clear: Kaelix Kryndal.
Kaelix Kryndal was sitting on a luxurious leather sofa in his private office, a glass of wine shimmering on the table beside him.
His legs were crossed casually, and a ledger lay open on his lap. He skimmed the records detailing the profits and successes of his division.
He leaned back and muttered while lifting the wine glass with an air of celebration. "It's only a matter of time."
"Soon, Kryndal will reign supreme. My brother's plans are flawless... and mine, well... mine are quite perfect."
A soft creak broke the silence.
The door to his office swung open. Kaelix turned his head lazily, a confident smile already plastered on his face.
"Ah, you're back," he said, not bothering to stand looking at the two figures who stepped inside.
Kaelix set the glass down with a deliberate clink and gestured toward the plush chairs opposite him. "Come, sit. You must be exhausted."
Without waiting for them to sit, Kaelix immediately asked, "So... did he beg? Did he cry for mercy?"
Neither 03 nor 04 moved toward the chairs. They walked slowly toward Kaelix and their blank eyes locked onto Kaelix.
Kaelix's smirk faltered slightly and he irritatedly asked, "Well? Don't just stand there. Speak! Explain yourselves!"
The assassins said nothing.Kaelix's irritation quickly transformed into anger. He stood and threw his wine glass toward both of them."What's the meaning of this? You're my family's assassins! Speak now, or I—"
Before he could finish, the two assassins raised their hands together and summoned portals
From the portals that appeared in front of them, two small Shadow Mantises appeared.
They had jagged scythes for arms and gleaming carapaces as black as midnight.
The creatures moved without sound, their antennae twitching as though tasting the tension in the air.
Kaelix's anger faltered as unease crawled up his spine. His eyes darted to the beasts, then back to the assassins.
He was in a bit of panic when he asked them slowly, "What are you doing? Answer me!"
Still, 03 and 04 said nothing. With a flick of their wrists, the Shadow Mantises advanced, their movements unnaturally fast and precise.
Kaelix's instincts screamed danger. He turned to call for the guards and was about to summon his own beast, but he was too slow.
One of the mantises darted forward and used its razor-sharp scythe to cut across his throat.
The cut was precise, severing his vocal cords without taking his life.
Kaelix staggered back, clutching his neck as his breath hitched in silent gasps.
He tried to scream, but only a faint, guttural noise escaped.
"You dare?"
He stumbled toward the door, still wanting to summon his own beast.
"Another Shadow Mantis intercepted him, its scythe slashing into his leg with brutal precision.
Blood sprayed as the blade carved deep, leaving multiple jagged wounds.
Kaelix collapsed to the floor, his leg rendered useless and his blood pooling beneath him.
Writhing in agony, Kaelix glared up at his attackers, his face twisted in anger.
"Who... are you? You're Kryndal assassins... How can you betray us? Why?"
03 and 04 didn't respond. They simply raised their hands again, directing their Shadow Mantises to continue the torture.
The mantises moved with precision, their lack of intelligence making them perfect instruments of cruelty.
They acted without hesitation, slicing and tearing at Kaelix's flesh.
One mantis climbed onto his chest, its scythes scraping deliberately across his ribs, cutting shallow yet excruciating lines.
Kaelix's body convulsed, his fingers clawing at the floor in desperation.
Another mantis positioned itself near his already mutilated leg and began methodically slicing through his tendons.
The sharp, wet sounds of the blade severing tissue filled the room.
Kaelix's eyes bulged as he writhed on the floor, his mouth opening and closing in silent screams.
Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the sweat and blood that coated his skin.
His mind raced, trying to comprehend how this was happening.
"Why?" he asked again, his thoughts a chaotic swirl of rage, confusion, and fear. "Who sent you? What have I done to deserve this?" Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire
One Shadow Mantis climbed to his face, its jagged scythe grazing his cheek and drawing a thin, burning line of blood.
The creature tilted its head, its antennae twitching as if mocking him. Kaelix recoiled, his remaining strength fading with every moment.
The two assassins remained impassive, watching the spectacle unfold with efficiency.
Their bodies stood motionless, as though they were statues presiding over his suffering.
Lucius's command echoed in their minds: "Torture him. Let him feel despair before he dies."
Another Shadow Mantis moved to Kaelix's hands, its scythe carefully slicing through the tendons in his fingers.
The once-proud Evolist's hands were now useless. His fingers twitched, but he could no longer muster the strength to move them.
Kaelix's mind was a storm of fragmented thoughts. His arrogance, his confidence, all shattered as the reality of his helplessness sank in.
"This can't be happening," he thought, his eyes darting wildly around the room. "I am Kaelix Kryndal. I'm untouchable. I... I can't... die like this..."
But the assassins' silence was his only answer. The Shadow Mantises continued their methodical work, carving Kaelix's body into a canvas of agony.
Cuts crisscrossed his torso, his legs, and his arms. His once-pristine clothing was now shredded and soaked in blood.
Finally, 03 raised a hand, and the Shadow Mantises halted.
Kaelix's trembling body lay still, though his chest rose and fell in shallow, ragged breaths.
His vision blurred, and the edges of the room darkened. He could barely make out the shadowy forms of the assassins standing over him.
"Why... me..." he tried to ask them for a reason.
03 and 04 exchanged a glance, their expressionless faces revealing nothing.
They turned and exited the room without a word, leaving Kaelix to bleed out on the cold, blood-stained floor.
His final thoughts were a chaotic mix of anger, fear, and disbelief as the darkness consumed him.
The door swung shut behind the assassins, and the room fell silent once more with Kaelix's lifeless body lying on the floor.