NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Day & Night (6)
Bruce tightened the straps on his bracers as the moonlight filtered through the cracked window of the inn. His modified suit clung to his younger frame like a second skin, optimized for stealth and maneuverability. The faint etching of the bat symbol remained hidden beneath his cloak, serving as a reminder of his purpose without drawing unwanted attention.
His utility belt clicked into place, stocked with the essentials—smoke pellets, throwing knives, a compact grappling hook, and a newly acquired Iron Shard Dagger from the system. The dagger hummed faintly with latent energy, its edge sharper than any standard blade.
The system chimed as he checked his interface:
[Daily Workout Quest Completed!]
[Reward: +250 XP, Skill Upgrade Token, and 15 Gold Coins.]
Stats:
• Strength: 15 → 16
• Agility: 16 → 18
• Vitality: 14 → 15
• Perception: 17 → 18
• Intelligence: 19 → 20
Skills Updated:
• Shadow Cloak (Level 3) – Enhanced invisibility in low light, muffles sound further.
• Interrogator's Edge (Level 2) – Adds subtle fear induction during questioning.
Bruce clenched his fists, feeling the subtle enhancements take hold. Faster reflexes, sharper senses, and steadier movements—every improvement counted.
His eyes drifted to Lyra, who leaned against the wall, examining her daggers. Her casual demeanor didn't fool him. She was sharp, perhaps sharper than she let on.
"You ready?" she asked, sliding one of her blades back into its sheath.
Bruce nodded. "Let's keep it quiet. In and out."
"No fun."
"We're not here to have fun."
Lyra rolled her eyes but followed him out into the night.
...
At The North Gate.
The streets near the northern gate were unnervingly quiet. Bruce perched on the edge of a rooftop, observing the movements below. A handful of guards loitered near the gate, visibly relaxed, their attention focused more on dice games than security. Beyond them, the caravan stood ready, carts loaded with crates carrying the dark crystals.
"Typical," Bruce muttered.
"What's the plan?" Lyra whispered, crouching beside him.
"Diversion first. You circle around and create a distraction near the east wall. I'll use that opening to deal with the guards quietly and check the cargo."
"And if something goes wrong?"
Bruce glanced at her. "Make sure it doesn't."
Lyra grinned and disappeared into the shadows.
....
Bruce's POV.
Moving with practiced precision, Bruce descended silently into the alley behind the guards. He slipped into their blind spots, activating Shadow Cloak as he moved. The faint hum of the ability masked his footsteps and softened the noise of his cape brushing against the stone.
A guard suddenly turned, his eyes narrowing as if sensing movement.
Bruce struck before the man could raise the alarm, sweeping his legs and delivering a precise blow to the neck. He caught the body before it fell, lowering it gently to the ground.
The second guard barely had time to draw his sword before Bruce appeared behind him, applying pressure to his carotid artery until he passed out.
[System Notification]:
[Stealth Elimination Bonus Achieved!]
[+100 XP]
Bruce moved to the nearest cart, prying open the lid of a crate. The dark crystals pulsed faintly, their energy radiating malevolence. He scanned the interface.
[Item Identified: Abyssal Core Fragments]
[Description: Highly unstable materials infused with abyssal energy. Used in dark rituals and alchemy.]
His jaw tightened. These weren't ordinary contraband—they were weapons waiting to be unleashed.
"Bruce," Lyra's voice echoed softly through the communicator stone she carried.
"What's wrong?"
"Change of plans. Reinforcements are heading your way. At least ten of them."
Bruce's eyes darted to the street. Torches flickered in the distance.
"Pull back to the meeting point," he ordered.
"What about the cargo?"
"I'll handle it."
....
Lyra's POV.
Lyra cursed under her breath as she ducked behind a barrel. The reinforcements weren't part of the plan, but she should've expected it. Valtor wasn't the type to leave his operations unguarded.
Two of the guards passed by her hiding spot, muttering about "the masked demon" prowling the streets. She grinned. Batman's reputation was spreading fast.
She drew her daggers, calculating her approach. Two quick stabs, one to the leg and one to the arm, followed by a kick to the head—it would be messy, but effective.
Instead, a scream erupted from the alley. Bruce's doing, no doubt.
Lyra took the chance to slip away, moving toward the meeting point while Bruce bought time.
.....
Bruce's POV.
The reinforcements poured into the courtyard, swords drawn and torches blazing. Bruce stood his ground, shrouded in shadows.
"Who are you?!" one of the men barked.
Bruce didn't answer. Instead, he lunged, using the element of surprise. He disabled the first opponent with a sweep, disarming him and driving his knee into the man's ribs.
The others hesitated.
"Get him!"
Bruce flipped backward, tossing smoke pellets to obscure their vision. He weaved through the chaos, striking pressure points and disarming enemies as they stumbled blindly through the fog.
[System Update]:
[Combat Quest Completed!]
[+500 XP, +Skill Point, Random Item Reward (Uncommon Cloak).]
The last man fell unconscious as the smoke cleared. Bruce retrieved one of the torches, igniting the nearest crate of crystals. Flames consumed the contents, and he turned away as the energy within erupted in a blinding flash.
.....
Aftermath.
Bruce regrouped with Lyra in the shadows of the alley.
"Smooth," she said, tossing him a smirk.
"We need to move," Bruce replied, already scanning the area for escape routes.
"You're no fun," she teased but followed him without argument.
As they disappeared into the night, Bruce couldn't shake the feeling that the operation had only been the beginning. Valtor was far from finished, and the crystals hinted at something much darker lurking beneath the surface.
[System Notification]:
[Main Quest Progress: 20% Complete.]
[Objective Updated: Investigate Valtor's Role in Abyssal Corruption.]
[Rewards Unlocked: Mystery Item Available in System Shop.]