From Rags to God of War

The King of Death

Isabella quickly took Nicholas's hand. There was a small scratch on his palm, perhaps from the friction when he pulled Isabella.

"You're hurt, Nicholas," Isabella said worriedly, examining the small wound.

Nicholas glanced at his wound, his expression unchanged. "It's nothing. Just a small scratch."

The workers were already moving quickly, clearing the debris of the fallen metal beam. The foreman approached.

"Foreman, investigate every corner of the factory," Nicholas gave the order in a low but clear voice. "I believe there was an intruder who did this intentionally."

"Yes, Sir!" the foreman replied, respectful and obedient. "I'll immediately order my men to check everything!"

Nicholas nodded. He knew an internal investigation might not yield much, but at least it would make everyone more alert.

...

During the drive home, Nicholas seemed more vigilant than usual. His eyes constantly moved, scanning the surroundings. His instinct told him the danger wasn't over yet. They were still targeting him. Nicholas knew this was just the beginning. He would face them. But his top priority now was to ensure Isabella's safety.

Nicholas typed a message on his phone, then sent it.

'Come immediately to the location I'm sending. Important work.'

'Ready, General.'

Isabella glanced at Nicholas. Tension was clearly visible on his face, something she rarely saw. "Nicholas, what's wrong with you? What's really going on?"

Nicholas didn't answer. He just stared straight ahead, then said, "Just drop me off here."

Isabella frowned. "Here? It's already dark, Nicholas. We're almost home."

"I'll explain later at home," Nicholas replied, turning slightly. "Just go home, don't worry. I've already assigned guards to watch over you. They'll protect you until you get home."

Just then, a luxurious black car stopped not far from them. Nicholas recognized the car as Martin's.

"That's Martin," Nicholas said. "You go home. I have something to take care of quickly."

Nicholas opened the car door, getting out without waiting for Isabella's answer. Isabella could only stare at him confused, watching Nicholas wave to Martin, then walk away.

Nicholas intentionally chose to walk, leaving Martin in the car, on guard. Nicholas walked casually, towards a children's park, now deserted and dimly lit behind rows of tall buildings. He chose this open place because it made it easier to detect an attack.

In the silence, Nicholas sensed unusual movement from behind the bushes. It wasn't Martin. A different aura. A bloodthirsty aura.

Nicholas turned quickly. In a flash, a sudden attack came from behind. A gleaming sword in the darkness, swinging vertically towards his head.

Nicholas dodged nimbly. The sword only sliced through empty air, making a sharp whizzing sound.

A man emerged from behind the bushes. His entire body was clad in black, his face covered with cloth, only his sharp eyes visible. In both hands, he held a short sword with an engraved hilt.

"So, you're Nicholas," the man said, his voice hoarse and heavy. "I am the King of Death."

Nicholas stood calmly, his hands hidden in his pants pockets. "What's your purpose?"

"My purpose is simple," the man replied, pointing his sword at Nicholas. "I've been assigned to kill you. There's a high bounty on your head."

"Who sent you?" Nicholas asked, his gaze cold. "If you tell me, I'll spare your life."

The King of Death laughed hoarsely, his voice filled with disdain. "Spare me? You?" He launched another attack, this time with both swords, darting forward with incredible speed. The swords slashed, stabbed, swung relentlessly, creating a storm of sharp metal. "It's you who will kneel and beg for mercy from me!"

As fast as lightning, the King of Death lunged. This time it wasn't an ordinary slash. Every movement twisted gravity, and the air around him hummed like a whisper of death.

Nicholas didn't stand idly by. He tightly gripped his knife, ducked under the first sword swing, then leaped, kicking a swing set pole.

Creaaak!

The pole snapped and flew, hurled towards the King of Death.

The King of Death merely smirked, his twin swords slicing the pole into scattering wood splinters. But that bought Nicholas time. He darted forward, his knife stabbing with lightning speed, aiming for weak points. It wasn't just one, but a rapid, deadly series of attacks, testing the King of Death's every defense.

Steel clashed against steel, sparking in the park's darkness. Nicholas moved like a shadow, exploiting every gap, every small mistake his enemy made. He kicked, spun, slashed, then swiftly retreated.

"Not bad," the King of Death hissed, his voice sounding amused. "But you're only delaying the inevitable."

Attack after attack continued.

"You're too slow!" the King of Death hissed, swiping his swords horizontally, forcing Nicholas to duck sharply.

Nicholas felt the cold wind of the blade pass over his head. He retreated a few steps, his eyes searching for something around him. His gaze fell on a large, broken tree branch lying nearby. With a quick motion, Nicholas grabbed it, holding it like a staff.

"Now the game can begin," Nicholas said.

Nicholas no longer just defended. He countered the King of Death's brutal attacks with the branch in his hand. The wood clashed against the sword blades, producing loud clanging sounds in the silent night. Nicholas used his full strength; every attack aimed to incapacitate. He knew the King of Death was a serious threat.

The King of Death launched a spinning slash. Nicholas managed to parry it with the branch, but the tip of the other sword managed to nick his cheek. A thin red line appeared on Nicholas's skin. He felt a brief sting, but it didn't shake his focus.

With lightning speed, Nicholas slammed the branch into the King of Death's solar plexus. A direct hit.

The King of Death stumbled, both his swords clattering to the ground. Blood spilled from his mouth, staining his face covering. He looked at Nicholas, not with anger, but with a faint smile behind his mask.

"Remarkable," the King of Death muttered, his voice hoarse. "This is the first time anyone's been able to match me."

Nicholas wasn't interested in compliments. He was going to end this now. He took a step forward, intending to deliver the final blow.

However, the King of Death didn't give up so easily. With his remaining strength, he threw a handful of black powder towards Nicholas.

The powder hit Nicholas's eyes. A burning sensation flared. Nicholas immediately rubbed his eyes. His vision blurred and stung.

"Damn it!" Nicholas cursed, his eyes tightly shut.

When he managed to open his eyes again, his vision was still slightly blurry. He blinked a few times, trying to clear his sight. The King of Death was gone.