Chapter 7 – The Crimson Bounty
It started with a scream.
A hunter from the Iron Fang Guild—gutted in broad daylight. His head nailed to a message board. His core ripped clean from his body.
The message painted in blood read:
> "Heir of the Abyss walks. Those who chase shadows will be swallowed."
Kael hadn't done it. But he knew what it meant.
> They were coming.
And they weren't alone.
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The 12 Guilds' Verdict
Inside a high tower lit by arcane fire, the Guild Elders convened. Twelve banners waved—each representing a dominant force of the continent.
Iron Fang. Azure Flame. Thorn Crown. Wyrm Hand. And others, older than nations.
A scribe whispered the bounty:
> "Target: Kael, Shadow-Class anomaly.
Rank: Unknown.
Status: Rogue Threat.
Reward: 3,000,000 marks alive. 1,000,000 dead.
Killers absolved of all past crimes."
One guildmaster laughed. "He's just a boy."
Another replied coldly, "No, he's a reminder. That not everything can be controlled."
And so, the hunt began.
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The Shadow's Trial
Kael had gone deeper into Eronvale's underground, following the Codex's instructions.
The further he walked, the more distorted reality became. Time folded. Lights flickered without source. He saw shadows of himself—older, broken, triumphant, dead.
> "This isn't a dungeon," Kael whispered.
> "It's a test."
When he stepped through the final archway, the world bent.
A woman stood before him—her face hidden behind a porcelain mask, her robes flowing like smoke.
She didn't speak.
She moved.
Fast. Perfect. Silent.
> Kael barely blocked her first strike.
> Her second shattered his rib.
But the Codex pulsed in his hand—and darkness surged from within him, wrapping his body in shadow-armor. It wasn't just defense—it was memory.
> "Technique unlocked: Phantom Echo (C-Rank)"
You copy the fighting style of any enemy that wounds you.
His body began to mimic her flow—imperfect, twitchy—but improving with every clash.
Then she vanished.
Her voice finally came.
> "You're worthy."
> "And now they'll all want your head."
---
Aboveground
By the time Kael returned to the surface, the bounty posters had reached every town. Every tavern. Every gutter.
He was now the most wanted man alive.
Even children whispered the name "Kael" like it summoned death.
> And in the woods beyond Eronvale… someone was watching him.
She wore red.
Again.
But this time… Roan wasn't alone.
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End of Chapter 7