OATHS AND SHADOWS

"I made a promise to a friend… a true defender of mankind. I can't abandon that now, Your Highness," Marco said solemnly, his voice steady.

The ruler narrowed his eyes in surprise. "A friend? What kind of promise makes you hesitate to carry out a mission for your own kingdom?"

"It's personal," Marco replied, standing firm. "I never said I wouldn't go. I'm just letting you know—I have something else I must do as well."

The ruler folded his arms. "So what will it be, Marco?"

"I'll take on the mission. But I'll go alone. I don't need an accomplice," Marco stated, his tone resolute.

The ruler nodded slowly. "Very well. If that's your wish, then go alone. But avoid combat at all costs. We cannot afford to lose you. You're the very foundation holding this kingdom together."

Without another word, Marco bowed his head, then turned and walked out of the castle.

"Just when I thought I'd get to go on a mission with the strongest Shinra in the kingdom…" the young Shinra who had been trailing Marco muttered under his breath, disappointed. "Looks like luck's not on my side today."

Marco overheard and responded, "Don't complain, kid. Going on a mission with someone strong doesn't make you strong. It'll only make you dependent. Take missions with other academy Shinras, protect them with your life. Push yourself in real battle. That's how you hit your limits—and break them."

He paused. "Don't take on anything above beta-level darkside spirits for now. Master the basics. Survive. Grow."

The young Shinra's eyes widened. "I think I needed that. Thanks, Captain." He turned and ran off.

Marco glanced up at the skies. It's time to visit Guhan.

I hope Falco's son is even half the man his father was… no, more than that. Falco said he stopped the boy from joining the Shinra academy—he feared the world would see what the boy truly is. A child with fighting spirit like that is worth teaching.

He sighed. It's been… how long now? Three centuries since I last had a student. And that didn't end well.

Marco walked to his horse, adjusting the reins. Pretending to be just another Shinra for so long... hiding who I really am—it's exhausting. Maybe it ends now. I'll meet the boy in my true form.

As Marco prepared to mount his horse, a voice called out from the distance.

"Captain! The ruler needs you back at the castle! Urgent business!"

Marco clicked his tongue. "This isn't the time. Tell him I've already departed. I can't waste another second."

He spurred his horse and rode off, vanishing down the path out of the city.

Unbeknownst to him, back in the castle, the ruler had just received alarming news. A royal fortune teller burst into the throne room in a panic.

"Your Highness! The balance of power in the kingdom… it will be shattered the moment Marco leaves! We will lose our strength!"

But it was already too late. Marco was gone.

Same Morning – Guhan Kingdom

"Big brother… Mama left really early today. Don't you think that's weird?" Elijah asked, walking into their father's old smithing site where Alfie was making arrows.

"Yeah, she usually waits for us. We always eat breakfast together." Alfie replied, eyes still focused on crafting. "No idea where she went."

"You think she went looking for Papa? It's been over a week now. He's never been gone this long."

"I doubt it. She's probably at her shop," Alfie said, placing a finished arrow aside. "Want to go check?"

"Yes, yes! Let's go!"

"Is Marcus still asleep?" Alfie asked, standing up and grabbing his sword.

"Yeah," Elijah nodded.

"Alright. I'll bring my sword just in case. If Mama's in trouble, I want to be ready."

The two boys ran through the morning streets of their quiet town.

"What if she's not there?" Elijah asked as they hurried along.

"I don't know," Alfie replied, brows furrowed. "Let's just hope she is."

After eight minutes of running, they arrived at the shop—only to find it closed and locked.

"This isn't good," Alfie muttered, breathing heavily. "She never closes the shop without telling us... I have a bad feeling about this."

Suddenly, a panicked man came sprinting down the street.

"Everyone! Get inside your homes! Darkside spirits are attacking farmers up at the cliffs! I barely escaped! Lock your doors!"

He darted into an alley and vanished into a house.

An elderly man nearby looked at the boys. "You two shouldn't be out here. Go home to your parents—if they're still alive. Something like this hasn't happened in over eleven years. It's going to be chaos for anyone with Renshi."

He hurried inside and slammed his door shut.

"Come on, Elijah. We're heading home," Alfie said, grabbing his brother's hand.

"But what about Mama?" Elijah asked, fear in his voice.

"Leave Mama to me. I'll find her," Alfie said firmly, already running.

"What are you going to do, big brother?" Elijah asked.

But Alfie didn't answer.