The city square was eerily quiet. A few flickering nterns illuminated the cobbled streets, casting long shadows against the stone buildings. EXQ stepped forward, his senses sharp. He wasn’t walking into a simple meeting—this was a test, a trap, or both.

  Across the square, a group of armored men stood waiting. At their center was a tall man, his presence exuding authority. His silver-pted armor was worn but well-maintained, and his piercing eyes locked onto EXQ the moment he arrived.

  "You’re either bold or foolish to come here alone," the captain said, his voice calm yet firm.

  EXQ smirked. "Or maybe I just don’t see you as a threat."

  The guards stiffened, but the captain only chuckled. "Confidence. That’s good. But confidence without strength is just an invitation to die."

  EXQ crossed his arms. "Let’s skip the speeches. You wanted me here—why?"

  The captain nodded slightly, and in an instant, his men surrounded EXQ, weapons drawn.

  "Because I wanted to see for myself if you’re worth my time."

  EXQ’s eyes darted between the guards. Five men, well-trained but predictable. He exhaled slowly. "And what if I’m not?"

  The captain smirked. "Then you won’t be leaving this square alive."

  A moment of silence. Then, the first attack came.

  One of the guards lunged, aiming to subdue him rather than kill. A mistake.

  EXQ sidestepped effortlessly, grabbing the man’s wrist and twisting. The guard barely had time to scream before EXQ’s knee smmed into his ribs, sending him sprawling to the ground.

  The others hesitated for only a second before attacking together.

  Steel fshed. EXQ ducked under a sword swing, using the momentum to sweep another guard off his feet. He snatched a fallen dagger and drove it into the third man’s shoulder, forcing a pained grunt.

  Within moments, three were down.

  The st two stepped back, wary now.

  The captain cpped slowly. "Impressive. But you’re still sloppy. That st strike left your left side open."

  EXQ exhaled, his grip tightening on the dagger. "You talk a lot for someone who hasn’t moved."

  The captain’s smirk faded. "Very well."

  In a blur, he moved. Faster than the others. Stronger.

  EXQ barely managed to block as the captain’s fist struck his arm, the impact sending a sharp pain through his bones. Before he could react, a second blow nded against his ribs, knocking the air from his lungs.

  He stumbled back, his vision swimming.

  The difference in power was clear.

  But that didn’t mean he would lose.

  Steadying himself, EXQ raised his dagger again. The captain’s stance shifted slightly—acknowledging him as an actual opponent now.

  A slow smirk returned to EXQ’s face. "Let’s see if you can keep up."

  And with that, the real fight began.