Initiation Of A Killer

Chapter 8: The Initiation of a Killer

The Blood Coins rested heavy in Riven's palm.

The masked figure extended a gloved hand, waiting. "What will it be?"

Silence stretched through the Hollow Market. The surrounding assassins remained still, their unreadable gazes locked onto him. There was no way out of this moment.

Riven exhaled slowly. Then, he stepped forward—and placed the Blood Coins into the figure's hand.

A hushed murmur spread through the room.

Selene smirked. "Well, look at that. He's actually going for it."

The masked figure didn't react immediately. Instead, they tilted their head, fingers curling around the coins. Then, they spoke.

"You walk the path of the Veil now," they said, voice calm and measured. "But before you earn your place, you must prove your worth."

Riven expected as much.

The masked figure turned, motioning for him to follow. "Come. The trial begins now."

Riven followed in silence. Selene trailed behind with an amused expression, clearly enjoying the situation.

They passed through the underground market, moving deeper into the hidden labyrinth of Black Hollow's underworld. The tunnels became narrower, colder, the air thick with an unsettling weight.

The assassins who guarded the passage wore dark, seamless attire, their faces concealed behind masks of black steel. These weren't mere killers. They were trained ghosts.

Eventually, they reached a set of massive iron doors, etched with symbols unfamiliar to Riven. The masked figure raised a hand. The doors groaned open.

Beyond them was a vast, circular chamber lit only by flickering torches. Stone pillars lined the walls, and at the very center stood a raised platform of polished obsidian.

Atop it was a throne—occupied.

A woman sat upon it, legs crossed, chin resting on her hand.

She was beautiful and deadly, wrapped in flowing dark silks, her violet eyes sharp as a blade. A silver tattoo ran from her left eye down to her collarbone, a mark of her status.

And the presence she radiated was undeniable.

Selene let out a low whistle. "Well, that's a surprise. You got the attention of her?"

Riven glanced at her. "Who is she?"

Selene smirked. "Lady Veyna. One of the Veil Lords."

The name meant nothing to him. But the weight in the room said everything.

Veyna's gaze locked onto him. "You're the one who killed Xyren."

It wasn't a question.

Riven remained silent.

Her lips curved slightly. "Interesting. You carry the Blood Coins, yet you are not bound by our laws. That makes you… inconvenient."

The masked figure spoke. "He has chosen to walk the path. The trial must be given."

Veyna's gaze didn't waver. "Very well. Let's see if he's worth the trouble."

She lifted a hand.

A gate at the far end of the chamber rumbled open.

From the darkness beyond, something stepped forward.

Riven's instincts flared the moment he saw the figure emerging from the gate.

A man in black armor, lean but strong, eyes burning with cold precision. No wasted movements. No hesitation.

He carried twin daggers—short, curved, wickedly sharp. The way he held them spoke of expertise beyond simple killing.

Selene muttered, "Damn. They're making you fight Varik? That's just cruel."

Riven didn't look away from his opponent. "Who is he?"

"One of the Veil's best duelists. He doesn't just kill—he humiliates."

Veyna's voice rang out. "The trial is simple."

She leaned forward, her violet eyes gleaming.

"Survive."

Varik moved first.

No warning. No signal. Just death in motion.

Riven barely twisted aside as the first dagger sliced through the air, missing his throat by inches. He countered with Shadow Strike, aiming for Varik's ribs—

CLANG!

The dagger was parried mid-motion, sparks flying.

Varik twisted, stepping in close. A knee shot up, slamming toward Riven's ribs.

He dodged—barely. The sheer speed of the attack forced him back, his footing shifting.

Varik smiled. Cold. Calculated.

"I thought you were supposed to be dangerous."

Riven said nothing.

Adapt. Analyze.

Varik's movements were too clean. He wasn't just attacking—he was studying Riven's reactions.

Which meant…

He was waiting for a mistake.

Fine.

Then Riven would give him one.

Varik lunged again—daggers flashing.

Riven let him get close. Just before impact, he feinted—twisting his body in the opposite direction.

Varik's daggers slashed through empty air.

For the first time, his expression changed.

That was all Riven needed.

Shadowmeld activated. His body faded into the darkness.

Varik's eyes narrowed. He had lost sight of his target.

Riven reappeared behind him.

Shadow Chains lashed out—fast, precise.

Varik barely had time to react before his arm was ensnared.

The chains tightened.

SNAP.

Varik gritted his teeth as his dagger clattered to the floor. His wrist was broken.

The entire chamber fell silent.

Veyna's eyes gleamed with interest.

Selene let out a low laugh. "Now that's new."

Varik staggered back, his breath heavy, his expression unreadable.

Then—he grinned.

"Well. That's a surprise."

He took a step back, lowering his remaining dagger. "I concede."

A murmur ran through the chamber.

Veyna stood, descending from the throne.

"Interesting," she mused. "You hide your strength well, Shadowborn."

Riven said nothing.

She stopped a few paces away, studying him.

"Very well," she said at last. "You've passed."

A flick of her fingers. The masked figure stepped forward, holding out a small obsidian emblem.

"From this moment on, you are one of us," Veyna declared. "Welcome to the Veil Syndicate."

Riven took the emblem.

The system chimed.

[New Status: Initiate of the Veil Syndicate.]

A new path had begun.

And there was no turning back.

END OF CHAPTER 8