Disconnection[1]

Despite the sudden entrance of the two high-ranking knights, the five ghost-masked assassins showed no signs of panic or fear.

They were not common mercenaries or unrefined brigands; they were elite, cold-blooded Rankers trained specifically to face high-level threats without flinching.

The Sword Sage leader slowly stepped forward, his bone-white mask settling its lifeless gaze upon the two defenders.

"Ser Damian Blacksun, the First Dragonknight," the leader spoke smoothly, his tone remarkably calm as he evaluated the young warrior.

He then slowly shifted his focus toward the veteran standing beside him, a low, ominous chuckle echoing from behind his mask. "And Ser Hughway, the Indestructible Knight... how grand."

The leader paused, resting his hand lightly against the hilt of his curved katana.