Chapter Sixteen: "Alliance Forged in Blood"
Back in the courtyard of the Hollow Guild, torches lit the night as warriors gathered around Raizel.
He knelt, sword across his knees, facing the Guild's High Commander — a grizzled man with a missing eye and an aura so intense it shimmered in the air.
"You passed the trial," the commander said. "You've earned more than respect. You've earned a choice."
Raizel raised his head. "What choice?"
"To take our oath. To lead a unit under our banner. To stand against the Crimson Fang… and not just survive — but strike back."
A hush fell.
Raizel stood slowly, raising his blade to his shoulder. "Then I take the oath. Not for power. Not for revenge. But for every village he's burned. Every life he's taken."
The commander nodded. "Then rise, Raizel of the Hollow Guild. You now command the Ash Vow Unit — our deadliest blades."
Cheers erupted.
And in the distance… the Crimson Fang opened his eyes.
"He's gathering an army," he whispered. "Good."