A full moon bathed the Obsidian Palace in silver silence.
Kael stood outside the throne hall, his breath shallow. He hadn't been summoned here since… before his death. Before he became a shadow.
The summons came without warning.
> "His Grace Aserion Voss requests your presence. Now."
No explanation. No delay.
Only Kael, standing in his shadowborn uniform — faceless, voiceless.
And yet… something in the air felt different.
---
The gates opened.
Inside, the war council chamber flickered with candlelight. Crimson banners draped the walls. Aserion sat at the head of the long table, clad not in royal robes — but in black armor laced with veins of red crystal.
His golden eyes locked onto Kael the moment he entered.
> "Approach."
Kael obeyed.
Six generals flanked the table. Syrene sat near the end, wine in hand, face unreadable.
Aserion stood.
> "We've received reports from the northern front. The resistance is evolving. A new commander is using guerrilla tactics — and slaughtering my officers."
He raised a scroll.
> "Your next task, Shadow, is to infiltrate their base, gather names, and return. Do not engage."
A pause.
> "Failure is not an option."
Kael bowed. "As you command, my lord."
But Aserion stepped closer.
Close enough to whisper.
> "I chose you for this because they fear ghosts. And you, Kael… you are my ghost."
Kael didn't flinch.
But his name.
He said his name.
No one else here knew it.
---
Later, in the palace courtyard, Kael walked alone beneath rustling trees.
> Why now?
> Why send me into enemy territory?
Was it truly about the resistance?
Or did Aserion suspect something?
Was this a mission — or an execution in disguise?
---
[Shadow System Update]
> ❖ New Quest Received: "Infiltrate the Northern Rebellion"
Objective: Locate rebel command. Identify leader. Return unseen.
Reward: System Rank Upgrade + Hidden Trait Unlock
⚠️ Warning: This quest overlaps with Timeline Fragment: Death of the Hero's Shadow
Proceed?
> "Proceed."
---
Kael looked toward the mountains in the north.
Beyond them lay frozen ruins, scorched villages, and whispers of rebellion.
He wasn't afraid of death.
He had already died once.
But something told him this mission… was where it all began.
Or where it all unraveled.
---