When a sound comes from behind, humans instinctively turn their heads. It’s not a bad habit—it’s a survival instinct. Since the dawn of humanity, assassins watch their backs; soldiers on battlefields scan for enemies at their flanks. Folklore whispers of certain streets where a sudden turn might yank your soul into another world.

Bai Ming was no exception. Hearing blades slice through the air toward him, he turned—toward the door.

*"How effortless. A proper assassin only strikes when they’ve already declared ‘checkmate.’ Eliminating a slow, oblivious target like you? Easier than breathing."*

Another voice cut through the silence behind him.

A man clad in a black trench coat—hidden somewhere in the room until that very moment—lunged out as Bai Ming turned. Twin broad blades flashed toward his skull.

The tips hovered a centimeter from Bai Ming’s head. Then—*whoosh*. The attacker froze mid-lunge. Not by choice. An invisible force had yanked him backward.

*"Allow me to finish your script,"* Bai Ming said calmly, brushing dust off his shirt. Unfazed by the stranger at his back, he strolled to the door and slipped on his shoes. *"The closer you get, the less you see. When you fixate on one thing, you never notice me already behind you."*

His hand rested on the doorknob. He pushed it open with a soft click. Bai Ming didn’t look back. He wouldn’t need to clean this up. If the man had sense, he’d crawl back to his boss with a warning.

*"H-how…?"* The black-clad figure crumpled, clutching his stomach. He forced the question out before his strength faded.

*"Save your breath for the hospital,"* Bai Ming replied, his tone laced with anger and weariness. Even five meters away, the man heard the sharp *crackling* of Bai Ming’s bones shifting. *"Kidnapping my sister just to lure me out? Tell me where your boss is. I’ll pay him a visit."*

Bai Ming left the door ajar, staring straight ahead. He still didn’t turn.

*"Sector A… Forest… Freestar Research Institute…"*

*"Appreciate it. One last thing."*

*"W-what…?"*

*"When you leave, don’t touch a single thing in this house. Especially not in my room. Cross that line, and I’ll hunt you to the ends of the earth."*

*"Y-yes…"*

The man’s reply dissolved into silence. His head hit the floor. Motionless.