Chapter 1: Raven’s death
The grand hall, supported by golden rune-carved pillars, was eerily silent, except for the heavy breathing of an injured figure. A teen in a white robe, with green hair and blue eyes, his clothes soaked in blood, stood hunched over a sword. His body was battered, barely clinging to life, and scattered around him were the bodies of his fallen enemies.
Despite the agony wracking his body, he was alert, dragging his wounded form towards one of the golden-carved pillars. But just as his foot took a step, pain shot through him—an arrow had pierced his right foot. He collapsed to the ground with a grunt, fighting to keep his consciousness.
"Kaal... if I make it out alive, I swear on my soul I'll make you regret ever being born."
His voice, raw with fury, echoed in the silence, but before he could go any further, he heard footsteps, many footsteps approaching swiftly.
A smug voice broke the silence, full of amusement.
"You killed fourteen Rank-3 warriors while poisoned by Rakshya Flower... despite only having the strength of a Rank-2 warrior. I'm impressed..."
The words were followed by the arrival of three masked figures in grey robes. Behind them walked a black-robed teenager, his long jet-black hair flowing, with dark, commanding eyes and a handsome, yet cruel, face. His entire presence exuded an aura of authority and dominance.
Raven's eyes flared with rage as he looked at the black-robed teen.
"Kaal, if I hadn't been backstabbed and poisoned by betrayal... would you still dare speak to me like this?"