Chapter 1: Ch1: First Blood
My small hand wouldn't stop trembling, even after I plunged the knife into his throat.
He looked at me with pleading eyes, his mouth trembling with words he couldn't utter. That was the first time I saw a look of pleading... and since that day, I've seen many more.
My father stood behind me, his eyes as cold as ice. "End him. The strong do not hesitate," he said, without even blinking.
I was afraid and hesitant, but I didn't cry. I only stared at the flowing blood, his twitching hand falling as the sound of his choking echoed. Because I knew weakness was forbidden— it was the greatest sin in this world.
I was six years old then. And now, after everything I've been through, I can't remember his face... only the metallic scent of blood and the sound of his final scream as I pulled the knife from his throat.
On that day, I understood the truth this world lives by:
Power... is the supreme law. And the weak? Merely prey waiting to be slaughtered.
In the Shadow Blade Clan, where respect is only given to those whose hands are stained with blood, my journey began.
...
Four years after that night.
In the far west of the Seal Continent, specifically within the territory of the Demonic Seal Sect, inside the bounds of the Shadow Blade Clan.