As soon as the clock struck eleven, a soft chime echoed through the mansion's quiet halls.
Kyle rose from his bed, eyes sharp and alert. His steps were silent as he approached the door, one hand pressing lightly against the wooden surface.
He closed his eyes for a moment, reaching out with his mana.
There were people on the other side—masked presences, subtle but undeniable.
Kyle's eyes snapped open.
He flung the door open with a swift motion just as a figure lunged toward him. Dressed like a servant, the attacker was fast.
But Kyle was faster. He ducked under the swing of a concealed blade and slammed a palm into the attacker's side, flooding them with mana to paralyze their limbs.
Two more came from either side. Kyle didn't hesitate.
He spun, sweeping one off their feet with a low kick before sending a pulse of mana into the air.
The second attacker froze mid-motion, held down by a sudden spike of pressure that pinned them to the ground.
It was over in seconds.
