Xiao Li noticed it on the third day.
Footsteps that stopped when he stopped.
Presence that vanished when sensed.
An assassin.
Not a hunter.
Not a monster.
Human.
That night, in a narrow street, the shadow struck.
A blade aimed at his throat.
Xiao Li twisted at the last second.
Metal scraped skin.
Blood dripped.
The assassin retreated instantly.
[Threat Identified: Professional Killer]
Xiao Li wiped his neck.
"…So guilds hire monsters too."