I Reincarnated As A Shadow Assassin Now I'm Overpowered

Chapter 4: The First Hunt

The choices hovered in my mind like phantom whispers. Three contracts. Three different paths.

Eliminate a corrupt noble.

Infiltrate a thieves' guild.

Hunt a rival assassin.

I didn't hesitate.

"I'll take the assassin contract."

Selene's smirk widened. "Bold choice."

The moment I confirmed my decision, the system responded.

[Contract Accepted: Eliminate a Rival Assassin]

[Target Identified: Xyren, Operative of the Midnight Veil]

[Location: The Slanted Dagger, Black Hollow District]

Selene crossed her arms, studying me. "You sure about this? Killing a noble or stealing some documents is one thing, but going after a member of the Midnight Veil?" She chuckled. "You really like throwing yourself into the fire, don't you?"

"Will he be a problem?"

Selene rolled her eyes. "Xyren isn't just an assassin. He's a trained killer. You and I? We're assassins. We strike unseen, make the kill, and vanish. But Midnight Veil operatives? They're killers who can fight head-on."

That didn't deter me. If anything, it only confirmed I'd made the right choice.

I had no intention of running forever. If I was truly a Shadowborn Assassin, then I needed to face real threats.

"Where is Black Hollow?"

Selene whistled. "It's deep in the slums, run by criminals and mercenaries. No guards, no laws, just survival. The Slanted Dagger is an underground gambling den—a good place to pick up a bounty or get stabbed in the ribs."

"Then I better move quickly."

Selene raised a brow. "Not even gonna ask for help?"

I turned away, melting into the darkness. "I work alone."

She laughed softly. "We'll see about that, Shadowborn."

Black Hollow District – The Slanted Dagger

The stench of unwashed bodies and stale alcohol hit me before I even stepped inside. The Slanted Dagger was a pit of filth, packed with criminals, mercenaries, and hired blades.

Dim lanterns cast flickering shadows against the warped wooden walls. Dice clattered, tankards slammed against tables, and drunken voices rose in slurred arguments.

But I wasn't here to drink.

I moved unseen, slipping between the crowd like a wraith. Shadowmeld kept me hidden, my presence erased from sight.

Xyren is here.

I scanned the room. Then I saw him.

A man sitting in the farthest corner, his back to the wall. Unlike the drunken fools around him, he was alert, watching the room with sharp, calculating eyes. His dark leather armor was reinforced with hidden plates, and a curved dagger rested on the table within easy reach.

A professional.

I had two choices—ambush him or test him.

I chose the latter.

Slipping closer, I let just the faintest trace of my presence flicker. A whisper of movement. A shift in the air. Just enough to trigger instinct.

Xyren's eyes snapped toward me.

Then he moved.

In an instant, he overturned the table, sending tankards flying as he lunged. His dagger flashed through the air, slicing toward my throat.

I vanished.

His blade cut through empty space, passing through the shadow I left behind.

I reappeared behind him, striking fast—Shadow Strike. My dagger formed in my grip, lashing out toward his ribs.

But Xyren twisted unnaturally fast, his dagger intercepting mine in a burst of sparks.

"Ah," he exhaled, a grin spreading across his face. "They finally sent someone decent."

He kicked a chair toward me, forcing me back. I melted into the darkness, but Xyren didn't hesitate—he followed.

He wasn't just fast—he could read my movements.

"You're not one of ours," he muttered, circling. "Not a Midnight Veil dog. So who the hell are you?"

I didn't answer.

He smirked. "Silent type, huh? Doesn't matter. I'll kill you either way."

Then he charged.

A True Fight in the Shadows

I had one advantage—the darkness itself.

I melted into the shadows just as Xyren's blade passed through where I had stood. He anticipated my move, swinging wildly behind him—but I was already shifting again, moving like liquid darkness.

He snarled. "Damn shadow tricks!"

I reappeared above him, dropping down with a silent strike. He barely turned in time—our blades clashed in midair.

CLANG!

I hit the ground, vanishing again. Phantom Step kicked in, letting me reposition behind him.

But Xyren wasn't an amateur. He didn't rely on sight. His instincts told him where I was.

He lashed out, twisting mid-motion, his dagger flashing toward my face.

I ducked—just barely. His blade scraped past my hood, cutting through the air.

Enough playing.

I lunged forward, feinting left before striking right—Shadow Strike landed, cutting deep into his side.

Xyren grunted, staggering back, clutching his wound.

"You… little bastard…" he growled, blood seeping through his fingers. But his grin never wavered. "That's the first time someone's landed a hit on me in a long time."

He spat blood, then chuckled. "Now I know for sure… You're no ordinary assassin."

I didn't let him speak further. I drove forward for the kill—but the shadows around him shifted.

A smoke bomb detonated, filling the room with thick, choking fog.

When it cleared, Xyren was gone.

The Slanted Dagger erupted into chaos—drunken mercenaries scrambling, some drawing weapons, others cursing.

I stood there, silent. He escaped.

But this wasn't over.

Then, the system's voice rang out.

[Contract Status: Incomplete.]

[Target Escaped. Pursuit Recommended.]

I turned, slipping into the alleyway outside. The hunt wasn't over yet.

And this time, I wouldn't let him slip away.

End of chapter 4