The next morning, Kael was awakened by noise in the street. People were talking, murmuring… a strange rumor was spreading.
> The gates of the Dreadmorne family estate had opened during the night.
Some thought it was just a tasteless prank. But at that very moment, knights of the Emperor — accompanied by the Emperor's firstborn son — rode through the city. The crowd fell silent. All eyes turned to them, stunned, as they headed straight for the Dreadmorne estate.
Soon after, an official announcement was made in the main square.
> — The punishment placed upon the Dreadmorne family has come to an end.
Their hundred years of isolation are over.
The members of this family are now free to walk among us once more.
A murmur swept through the crowd.
The Emperor's first son raised a hand to silence them and declared in a solemn tone:
> — Though isolation may have softened them… though they haven't seen the outside world in a century… you will show them respect.
For the family who once protected you from monsters and bandits will now step aside —
And make way… for the true masters of this land.
Then he and his knights departed, leaving the city in stunned silence.
---
An hour later, shadows raced across the rooftops — fast, agile.
The Dreadmorne family, clad in black, moved swiftly through the streets toward the city gates.
Once there, one of them shouted:
> — We are finally free!
Another, with a sinister expression, followed:
> — Let's hunt down the sorcerer who helped the Emperor imprison us!
But a voice cut through the air:
> — Stop! If you do that, my father will punish us severely.
We've only just been freed… let's wait at least a month before causing trouble.
The one who had spoken stepped forward — Klux Dreadmorne, son of the clan's leader.
He looked around… then suddenly unleashed a wave of murderous energy in a precise direction.
> — You, over there. Watching us from the shadows… Come out.
A figure stepped into view.
It was Kael.
> — How did you detect me? he asked calmly.
Klux didn't hesitate:
> — How could I not sense energy like yours?
And besides… you wear a particular symbol.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
> — You… You know what it is?
> — Of course, Klux replied. It's an ancient mark… unique to the Kura clan.
That's why I attacked you the first time. To see if you were truly one of them.
Kael simply said:
> — I am.
At those words, Klux released another wave of deadly pressure.
Behind him, his clan members drew their weapons and aimed them at Kael.
Klux growled:
> — You're a fraud.
You think we Dreadmorne wouldn't recognize one of our cousins?
Who do you think you are?
Kael clenched his fists.
> — The Kura clan is related to the Dreadmorne? That's written nowhere.
You're lying.
He drew both of his swords in a flash.
But Klux suddenly released the tension and dispersed the dark energy.
> — You've got guts. I like that.
So no, I won't kill you.
He turned to his clan:
> — Go stretch your legs.
We're free now.
The group dispersed.
Kael approached slowly and said:
> — You never really intended to kill me, did you?
Klux answered with a brief smile:
> — No.
But if we'd fought, too many of my family would've died to bring you down.
And I won't let that happen — not after a century of confinement.
Kael nodded.
> — You're a good leader.
Klux placed a hand on his shoulder and added:
> — Come. Let's eat something… and you'll tell me your story.
Then, more seriously:
> — You're not from this world… are you, Kael?
At those words, Kael leapt backward, drawing his blades, ready for battle once again.