I approached the paladin with unwavering determination, gripping the hilt of my sword tightly. This holy warrior was undoubtedly a formidable opponent, but I couldn’t afford to let him live. He was too great a threat to my mission.

Without hesitation, I raised my blade and drove it mercilessly into his side. The paladin collapsed with a pained cry, his once-luminous armor dimming under the force of the blow.

I didn’t stop there. In one swift motion, I drew a dagger and plunged it deep into his eye, ending his life instantly. His body convulsed one last time before falling still, his lifeless gaze locked on mine.

Satisfied, I activated my interface and uttered the words that would seal my next move.

“[Skill Activated: Assimilation].”

A surge of energy coursed through me, and I felt my physical form begin to shift. The features of the fallen paladin gradually imprinted onto my face, and his armor seamlessly enveloped my body.

When the transformation was complete, I leaned over a puddle to inspect my reflection. Staring back at me was the exact likeness of the paladin I had just killed.

Satisfied with the result, I straightened up and resumed my journey toward the fortress. As I walked through the village streets, I couldn’t help but notice the fearful stares the villagers cast in my direction. My new appearance clearly inspired terror.

Good. It would make infiltrating the enemy citadel all the easier.

When I arrived at the gates, the guards recognized me immediately and allowed me to pass without question. My disguise was working flawlessly.

I moved quickly through the crowded halls, nodding respectfully to my supposed "comrades" as I passed. They returned my gestures with the same deference, entirely unaware of the deception.

Eventually, I reached the section reserved for higher-ranking paladins. This was where the commander’s office was located, and where the Supreme Emperor himself resided.

Approaching discreetly, I strained to hear the heated conversation taking place inside.

“We must find him at all costs!” barked a deep voice that I recognized as the paladin commander’s. “This man poses too great a threat to the Empire. His escape cannot go unpunished!”

“I agree with your concerns,” replied a calmer, measured voice—the Emperor’s, no doubt. “But we cannot divert too many troops to this single mission. There are other fronts to consider.”

“But Your Majesty,” the commander argued, his tone laced with urgency, “this fugitive is after the Demon’s Vein! You know the danger it would pose if he managed to obtain it!”

“Indeed, it is a risk we cannot ignore,” the Emperor conceded. “Which is why I’ve ordered the execution of that Mira woman tomorrow. With her out of the way, this Griffith will have no reason to continue his assault on us.”

My blood ran cold. Mira—my trusted companion—was sentenced to die? No. I couldn’t let that happen. I had to find a way to save her, no matter the cost.

But first, I needed to locate her within this fortress without raising suspicion. Time was running out.

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I walked down the corridor with a feigned air of nonchalance. Soon, I came across another paladin standing guard. I approached him, saluting respectfully.

“Brother, may I ask you something?” I said in a tone of mock seriousness.

“Of course. What do you need?” he replied, his gaze scanning me warily.

“I’ve heard rumors about the prisoner, Mira,” I began, deliberately injecting disdain into her name. “Is it true she’s to be executed tomorrow?”

The paladin looked momentarily surprised by my question but nodded grimly.

“Yes, that’s correct. The heretic will be put to death by direct order of the Emperor,” he confirmed solemnly.

“I see,” I said, feigning disgust. “A fitting punishment for someone so dangerous, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Absolutely,” the paladin replied. “You know where she’s being held, don’t you? I could escort you there if you wish to see her before the execution.”

Perfect. My plan was working flawlessly. The paladin had just unwittingly revealed Mira’s location.

“That won’t be necessary,” I replied firmly. “I can find my way. Thank you for your help, brother.”

With that, I walked away briskly, heading toward the dungeons as if I knew exactly where I was going. Once out of his sight, I discreetly activated another skill.

“[Skill Activated: Status].”

A pulse of energy radiated from me, freezing everything in the immediate vicinity. The paladin I had spoken to stood immobilized, his body now as still as stone. This would ensure that no one could track my movements.

Satisfied, I deactivated my assimilation skill, returning to my original appearance. Then, imitating the posture and movements of the petrified paladin, I confidently made my way toward the dungeons, determined to save Mira at all costs.

Upon reaching the dungeon entrance, I scanned the cells quickly. Five were empty, but the last one was occupied. That had to be where Mira was being held.

Just as I was about to approach, the sound of footsteps behind me made me freeze. I spun around to find myself face-to-face with the commander.

“Well, well, what are you doing here, paladin?” he asked coldly, his sharp eyes boring into me.

“I… I was just checking to ensure everything was in order, Commander,” I replied, striving to maintain a neutral demeanor.

But the commander’s piercing gaze told me he wasn’t buying it.

“Don’t take me for a fool,” he snapped. “Your behavior has been suspicious from the start. You’re not one of us, are you?”

I swallowed hard, realizing my cover had been blown. There was no point in denying it anymore.

“Fine. You’re right,” I admitted, my tone resigned. “I’m not a paladin.”

The commander’s lips curled into a triumphant sneer.

“I knew it. You made a rookie mistake trying to impersonate one of us,” he said smugly. “You may have fooled those simple soldiers, but not me.”

He paused, his expression filled with contempt.

“You see, every paladin has a unique energy signature etched deep within their soul,” he explained. “And yours doesn’t match the warrior you assimilated. Too bad for you!”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. The man was perceptive, but he had grossly underestimated my capabilities.

“Well, Commander, I must say I’m impressed. You’re sharper than I expected,” I said casually. “But even exposed, I’m confident I can still give you plenty of trouble.”

The commander’s eyes narrowed, clearly irritated by my insolence.

“You underestimate me, you pathetic impostor,” he growled, drawing his sword. “You’ll pay dearly for daring to mock the Empire!”

I tightened my grip on my blade, my resolve unshaken.

“Let’s see who pays the price,” I said coolly, preparing for the battle to come.