Arthur only had a second to see what the attacker looked like—black clothes, face covered except for eyes that glowed with an unnatural red light—before his instincts kicked in.
He activated Combat Mode as he jumped behind the king's big bed.
```
[Combat Mode: Activated]
[Physical Enhancement: +25% strength, +20% reflexes]
[Energy Cost: -20]
[Energy Reserves: 220/300]
[Threat Assessment: S-Rank Crimson Empire Assassin]
[Weakness Detection: Overconfidence, expects magical response]
[Suggested Strategy: Unconventional tactics, physical counter]
```
Arthur noticed the assassin wasn't moving randomly. They were methodically killing guards while moving in a specific pattern—creating a path toward the door where Queen Isolde was being taken.
"It's a distraction!" Arthur shouted through the chaos. "They're targeting the queen!"
Sylrathi looked his way, her violet eyes widening before she turned toward Isolde.
