As they strolled through the lively market, Hazuki cheerfully told Ellyn a story.
"So there I was, fighting goblins, right?" Hazuki said proudly, adjusting her a little on his shoulders.
"And bam! I raised my leg like this—" he lifted one foot slightly.
"And I prepared my special move—" Hazuki grinned, balancing on one foot, showing off.
Above him, Ellyn giggled, holding onto his hair so she wouldn't fall.
"My world-famous DOWNWARD KICK!!" Hazuki declared dramatically.
He swung his leg downward for emphasis—
At that exact moment—
An assassin, hidden among the crowd, had been charging toward them.
The Royal Guards in disguise spotted the threat too late.
The Royal Assassins lurking nearby tensed, about to leap into action.
But it was too late.
Hazuki's downward kick slammed directly into the assassin's head.
There was a loud, satisfying THUNK.
The assassin froze mid-charge, eyes wide—
Then collapsed face-first onto the stone street, completely unconscious.
