A Pact of Shadows and Blades

Resentment breeds obsession.

Obsession fuels determination.

This was the fundamental truth of the world that Aiden had learned through countless trials and struggles.

Neither he nor his disciples were exceptions to this rule.

One suffers a loss, leading to the decision for revenge.

The dead cannot return, so the only option left is to make the enemy experience the same agony.

And so, Aiden gathered his disciples, one by one.

However, Marcus was different.

He wasn't someone he had personally chosen.

He was a disciple entrusted to him.

"...Why bring up my past again?"

"Do you remember the promise I made that day?"

"...I remember."

Marcus closed his eyes quietly.

Even now, the memory of that day was vivid.

It was a night of pouring rain.

Back then, Marcus was just a child, too young to understand much of anything.