In the midst of his confusion and as he braced for a counterattack, a surreal and gruesome scene unfolded.
The head of the man who had fired the weapon separated from his shoulders and hit the ground with a sickening thud, as if severed by an invisible blade.
Behind him stood a young man, distinguished by his luminous yellow hair that flowed down his back like a cascade of light, giving him an almost pale presence.
Before Ty or the remaining assailant could fully process the shock, the first robber's accomplice, driven by confusion and fear, raised his firearm and fired next.
His attempt failed; the bullet split in two under a strike too fast to follow.
The swordsman stood between Ty and the second robber before anyone could track his path, mist-like sword lowered at his side.
"Sorry, citizen. I did not mean to alarm you or let these guys hurt you," he said softly, just as the second man fell dead at Ty's feet.
