Death’s Fingertips

The Obsidian Depths

Far beneath the surface, hidden within the world's very veins, lay the Obsidian Depths—a kingdom where light was a stranger and shadows had names. A place where power was measured not by wealth, but by whispers in the dark and the weight of one's sins.

And within its most forsaken corner stood a guild that even the wicked feared—The Silent Ravens.

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A Violent Arrival

Ryomen walked beside Rose, his steps unhurried, his expression unreadable. The Silent Ravens loomed ahead, a structure built from obsidian stone, swallowing the already dim light of the underground.

He didn't bother knocking.

With a sharp kick, the guild doors exploded open, the heavy wood splintering under the force of his boot. The sound echoed through the chamber like a war drum, demanding attention.

The adventurers inside froze. Conversations died. Tankards halted mid-air. All eyes snapped toward the man with black flames flickering around his fists.

Ryomen exhaled through his nose, voice cold and absolute.

"Alright, you lot. Coy is dead. So are his little band of idiots. If you know what's good for you, point me to your Guild Master's chambers." His tone darkened. "And I won't ask again."

The black flames around his fists roared, licking at the air with unnatural hunger.

Rose sighed beside him, arms crossed.

"You really have a way of making an entrance," she murmured, her voice tinged with mild amusement. Then her expression darkened.

"Let's just get this over with. Even after all these years, I despise this kingdom."

Ryomen chuckled lowly. "Well, at least you don't have to deal with its idiots much longer."

The guild remained silent. No one dared move.

They knew who he was.

And when their eyes shifted toward Rose—toward her unmistakable resemblance to their Guild Master—they lowered their heads in quiet submission.

Ryomen let out a small laugh.

"Looks like they know the difference between stupid and smart." His gaze flickered toward Rose. "Seems like they noticed… your similarity to your twin."

Rose didn't respond with words.

Instead, she approached one of the adventurers, her hand raised.

Without warning, water materialized around his body, tightening like an unseen noose. He gasped, his breath stolen as the liquid constricted.

Rose's voice was smooth, but deadly.

"I believe we asked you a question." Her fingers twitched, and the water squeezed tighter. "Where are my sister's chambers? Speak… or die without even getting a blink in."

The adventurer coughed, his face darkening as he frantically pointed toward the farthest end of the hall.

Ryomen didn't wait. He strode forward, his pace unchanging, until he stood before the sealed door.

A large insignia was etched into the surface, pulsing faintly with magic.

Ryomen inhaled, then exhaled softly. The black flames coiled around his right hand, twisting and writhing like sentient creatures.

With one swift punch, he touched the door.

For a moment—nothing happened.

Then, within seconds, the seal erupted into flames, burning away even the door itself.

Ryomen scoffed. "Coy really sucked at sealing magic." He shrugged. "Sad to be him. Well—he's dead. My old man doesn't show mercy anyway."

The Twin of Chaos

The chamber beyond was dimly lit. A faint scent of iron lingered in the air—a remnant of past violence.

Before Ryomen could even take a step, a blur of motion shot toward him.

Steel kissed his throat.

A blade—swift, precise, and merciless—pressed against his skin before the dust even settled.

Then, as the haze of movement cleared, he saw her.

Long crimson-blood hair cascaded down her back, thick as dried gore. Her fitted black jacket and pants moved like a second skin, her stance predatory—ready to kill before the need for words.

Ryomen laughed.

"You and your sister are still the same," he mused. "Just like back then."

His eyes gleamed.

"Well, May—how ya been?"

A beat of silence.

Then, Rose finally entered, letting out a soft sigh.

"You're still aggressive when you wake up… dear sister."

May remained silent, but her blade didn't waver.

Then her sharp red eyes flickered toward Ryomen.

"Why do you need me to teach Dazai?" Rose's voice was edged with suspicion. "I've mastered the Blood Technique just as well as Juliette."

Ryomen let out another chuckle, stepping back from May's blade without fear.

"It's not just about learning it," he said. "It's about learning it from the one who made it." His grin widened. "After all… you've seen how capable Dazai is."

May exhaled, finally lowering her sword.

Her scarlet gaze narrowed.

"So… you have a son now?" Her voice was unreadable. Then, her lips twitched into something resembling a smirk. "How long was I out?" She scoffed. "I'm guessing the 'Death's Fingertips' era is long gone?"

Ryomen smirked. "Long gone."

May scoffed, crossing her arms. "Lame. I still think that name was stupid."

Ryomen laughed. "Yeah, yeah… Now—let's talk business."