A hush settled over the alley. The bartender's face was stiff, his features empty. I turned to leave, but then I felt his hand grip my shoulder.

His hoarse voice came out:

"Are you really Jevan?"

I tore his hand off my shoulder, then turned back to him. His eyes held a complicated mix of hope and doubt. It was obvious he didn't believe me, yet at the same time he desperately wanted me not to be lying.

Somehow I could feel that desire the need to cling to any thread of hope, even if it was just an illusion. I didn't know what kind of bond he'd had with the original Jevan, and I didn't want to. I'm not Jevan. I'm just a parasite that seized his body.

Not that I even wanted to. But in any case, I wasn't about to give him a false dose of hope. So I started walking away again, but he apparently wasn't going to let me leave in peace. He yanked me hard by the collar of my coat. I could easily have avoided his hand, but for some reason I didn't.

"Are you Jevan?"

He stared straight into my eyes through the mask's slits. His expression was composed, but his legs were trembling. I exhaled deeply, then raised my hand and took off the mask. Inside I muttered, "You asked for this, but don't be sad when you realize we're not the same person."

In the end I smiled wryly before saying:

"Yes. I'm Jevan."

Only then did life return to his eyes. Without warning he began feeling my face, then, once he'd had enough of that, started pinching my cheeks like I was a little kid.

I shoved his hand away.

"What in the Creator's name are you doing?"

"You're alive! By the Creator of the sky, you're alive… aren't you?!"

I put the mask back on and muttered loudly on purpose, "What's wrong with this man? Has he lost his mind?" While watching the bartender transform from a man drained of the will to live into a man saturated with hope, I heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. I signaled him to be quiet.

The mask could hide my presence, yes, but it didn't make me invisible, and once they arrived they'd sense us for sure. So why not test my power a little?

Four men and a woman came toward us. They all wore shining silver armor and carried swords in their hands, except for the girl, who hadn't drawn hers yet.

I raised my hand and murmured, "First rule: anyone who entered this alley after me is forbidden to move or speak." Transparent chains erupted from my gloves and wrapped them tightly. Then I stepped closer and drew my sword from beneath my cloak. Their eyes widened in shock, their faces went pale the moment I stepped forward.

I smirked as I cut off the first one's head with a quick strike. Blood splattered across my face and mask. My sword pierced the second one's chest in the blink of an eye. As for the remaining two, their heads fell from their bodies with a single stroke. In the end only the girl was left.

As soon as I stood before her, I stared at her for a moment. Wasn't she the same girl who'd been sitting next to the bartender inside the tavern? Whatever this wasn't my problem. I raised the sword high, but before its edge could touch her neck the bartender lunged and grabbed my shoulder.

"Jevan, leave her!"

I knocked his hand off my shoulder forcefully and looked at him with contempt.

"Leave her? You didn't open your mouth when I sliced off your friends' heads like melons."

I closed my fist and the restraints on the girl dissolved. Then I waved my hand.

"Anyway, it doesn't matter to me."

The girl staggered back in fear, sucking in deep breaths as if she couldn't believe she was still alive. I gave her an exaggerated bow, then lifted my head and stared straight into her eyes.

"My apologies, madam, but it seems I must be going."

I turned and began walking away, but before leaving the alley I heard the bartender call out:

"Jevan…"

I cut him off without looking back:

"That man died a long time ago."

I wanted no connection to anyone from that bastard's past, and I didn't want to hear any more details from this wretched bartender. The girl tried to say something, but I ignored her completely and left the alley.

And as soon as I stepped out I was met with an unwelcome sight. In front of me stood a massive group of armed men at least forty of them.

One man stepped toward me, a figure with grayish-black hair and eyes the same color. He wore black clothes under a gray cloak, and on his face was a small smile that didn't reach his eyes.

As soon as he saw me he greeted me warmly:

"The legendary Masked Man himself, here?"

Legendary Masked Man? Who is this guy? Is he talking about me? I felt a spike of confusion but didn't let it show.

"Ah, yes, that's me, the legendary man! Tell me, are you a fan?"

He nodded.

"One of your biggest fans."

I clapped my hands lightly.

"Wonderful, wonderful. Well, if you want my autograph I'll give it to you later. But right now I need a little rest."

I moved to walk past him, but he raised his hand to signal his men to block the way.

"And who said you're leaving?"

I studied his stony face for a moment. He spoke as if he could end my life at any second. His men in the back looked the opposite. Even from this distance I could feel their fear.

I raised my bloodied sword and waved it, then pointed to the people behind him.

"You really think this small number of cowards can stop me?"

Of course they could, even if there were five of me, but I had to bluff strength.

He shook his head, that annoying smile never leaving his face.

"But we're enough to delay you until reinforcements arrive."

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