Joining the army

In the stillness of the morning, Erebos stood by the window of his dwelling, his enigmatic presence casting an eerie shadow across the room. His thoughts meandered, contemplating the complexities of life in this dark and twisted world. Outside, the city was gradually stirring from slumber, a sprawling landscape of opportunities and treachery.

As he observed the city coming to life, he pondered the means by which he could obtain the precious coins needed for his survival. Money, he understood, was the key to existence in this unforgiving realm. It was the currency of power, a force that could grant him the freedom to navigate this dark and malevolent world.

His gaze fell upon a city guard, clad in uniform, standing at his post. The guard's role piqued Erebos's curiosity, for it presented an intriguing possibility. A guard, he mused, had a unique occupation that allowed them to operate in broad daylight, free from the shadows that concealed his own malevolent deeds.

Intrigued by the idea, Erebos considered the notion of becoming a guard, where violence might be conducted openly, under the guise of authority. He pondered the thin line that separated good from evil, knowing that in this realm, such distinctions often blurred and bent to the will of those who wielded power.

Erebos's contemplation lingered, a dark and unsettling presence amidst the city's awakening. The city had come to life, and he sought his place within it, aware that in this world, the pursuit of precious coins often led down paths where morality itself became a hazy concept.

Erebos stood before the mirror, his reflection a stark contrast to the sinister figure concealed by his mask. The enigmatic figure had removed his shrouded face, revealing features that were both ordinary and unremarkable. He observed himself, contemplative and distant, as he prepared for a new endeavor.

The mirror reflected a different side of Erebos, a man in search of disguise, a facade to hide his true nature. He had washed his body, cleansing away the residue of the darkness that clung to him. Clean and devoid of the mask that had always concealed his emotions, he now confronted the world as a blank canvas upon which a new identity could be painted.

In a humble costume that rendered him unremarkable, Erebos pondered his transformation. His appearance now lent him the semblance of an ordinary individual, the mask of malevolence temporarily veiled by the façade of normalcy. He stood there, his eyes reflecting an emptiness that had always been a part of him, a man on the cusp of a new role in a world where appearances could be as deceiving as the darkness that lay within.

Erebos strolled through the bustling city streets, his footsteps measured and unhurried. The costume he wore helped him blend seamlessly into the crowd, rendering him unnoticeable among the throngs of people.

As he navigated the labyrinthine alleys and avenues, Erebos observed the stark disparities that defined the city. The opulent houses of the wealthy loomed large, starkly contrasting with the modest dwellings of the less fortunate. The wealth gap was palpable, a testament to the harsh realities of this dark and malevolent world.

His contemplation was interrupted when he stumbled upon a recruiting stall manned by a soldier. The sight of the stall drew him in, a beacon in the sea of chaotic life that surrounded him. Erebos sensed an opportunity, a chance to understand a new facet of this realm. In silence, he approached the stall, ready to embrace a role that would grant him a different perspective on the world he sought to comprehend.

Erebos approached the soldier's recruiting stall, his appearance now concealed by the costume that rendered him unremarkable in the eyes of the bustling city. The soldier, a burly figure with a stern expression, beckoned Erebos forward, his gaze falling upon the potential recruit.

Soldier: (Gruffly) "You there! Looking for a chance to serve the kingdom, are you?"

Erebos, standing before the soldier, simply nodded, his gaze unwavering and his words deliberately few.

Soldier: (Eying Erebos) "Well, we're always in need of more bodies, especially now with the demons and rebels causing chaos. You got any experience with weapons, soldier?"

Erebos shook his head, his silence an ominous presence in the conversation.

Soldier: (With a hint of frustration) "No matter. We'll teach you what you need to know. Sign up here, and you'll earn your keep and have a chance to make a name for yourself."

Erebos extended a gloved hand to take the sign-up form, penning his name with minimal effort, his determination to understand the world around him as enigmatic as ever. The soldier, though unnerved by the silence, recognized another recruit in the making, unaware of the depths of darkness concealed behind Erebos's facade.

Erebos had no desire to be good, for the concept of morality eluded him. Instead, he yearned to fathom the intricacies of an ordinary existence. In a world where malevolence and darkness were ever-present, he sought to unravel the mysteries of mundane life, to comprehend the essence of simplicity.

Joining the army was not an act of heroism, but rather a means to gain insight into the mundane, to experience the everyday routine of those who lived in this world. Erebos, guided by a relentless curiosity, sought to bridge the gap between his enigmatic nature and the ordinary lives of the people around him.

Silently, he moved forward, eager to explore the ordinary and understand the simplicity of existence. Erebos had no intention of becoming a hero, for the intricacies of banal life held a fascination that surpassed any desire for righteousness in his heart.