Bloodstained Oath: English

Victory on the battlefield still echoed in the hearts of every rebel soldier, but for Caelum, it was but a fleeting euphoria. The Imperial forces had retreated, but he knew this was only the beginning of a much larger war. This battle was not the end; it was a stepping stone to an even darker conflict to come.

After the last clang of swords faded, Caelum stood over the lifeless body of Zarek, commander of the Black Guard. Raedan had taught him much, but tonight felt different. Tonight was the night where he fought not only against the enemy on the battlefield, but against himself—the darkness creeping in, a void beginning to fill his heart.

Caelum lowered his head, his fingers brushing the Raedan sword still gripped in his hand, before his gaze shifted to the artifact ring encircling Zarek's finger. The ring gleamed in the darkness, made of dark metal, bearing the Empire's emblem engraved on its surface—a symbol of power and destruction. It was more than just jewelry; it was a prize from a fallen enemy. More than that, it was proof of victory.

With slow but deliberate motion, Caelum removed the ring from Zarek's finger, feeling its cold, heavy weight. A strange sensation flowed through his hand, a vibration that seeped into his bones and soul. Yet, he didn't care. The ring was a symbol of victory—a souvenir from a battle he had won.

---

However, his actions were not yet complete. Ignoring the soldiers who surrounded him, Caelum raised his sword. With one swing, Zarek's head was severed from his body, falling to the ground with a terrifying thud.

An oppressive silence fell over the battlefield. The soldiers of the Crimson Blades and the rebels who witnessed the event stood frozen, their tongues tied. Blood still dripped from the severed neck of Zarek, while his fallen head symbolized something far darker than mere victory. Those accustomed to blood and violence were now dumbstruck, forced to face a grim reality.

Caelum stared at Zarek's head with sharp eyes, filled with hatred. Without hesitation, he seized it, holding it in his left hand like a trophy. This decision was not only born of hatred for the Empire, but also a desire to send a message stronger than any words could convey.

He approached Azrin, the rebel leader, who stood with a look of astonishment. With calm yet meaningful movement, Caelum tossed Zarek's head at Azrin's feet.

"This is a gift for you," Caelum said flatly, his voice void of emotion. "A gift from the fallen Empire."

Azrin stood silent for a few moments, his gaze locked on Zarek's head still dripping blood. Silence filled the air, time seeming to pause. The Crimson Blades and rebels who watched could only remain speechless, shocked by the brutal act their leader had displayed.

"This gift is to remind us all," Caelum continued, his tone full of rage. "The Empire will not stop. And we will show them no mercy. They will know who we are now."

---

As the rebels and Crimson Blades stood in stunned silence, Caelum turned coldly and said, "We can't wait any longer. We must pursue them."

Azrin looked at him, his eyes now full of resolve. "Pursue them? Where to?"

"To the next battlefield," Caelum answered firmly. "We must destroy them first. Don't give them time to breathe."

Caelum's ruthless tactics shocked many around him. Yet, Azrin knew there was no time for doubt. The Empire would not let them go so easily, and if the rebels wanted to survive, they had to move faster, and stronger than ever before.

"You lead," Azrin said finally, his voice resolute. "Your tactics earlier weren't coincidence. We will follow."

---

The decision to pursue the Imperial forces was made without hesitation. In the next battle, Caelum carried more than just a weapon—he carried a spear made of hard wood and strong iron. At the tip of the spear, Zarek's head hung, grotesquely suspended. The dried blood of Zarek slowly dripped onto the ground, intensifying the horrific sight.

Caelum gripped the spear firmly, his head held high, his gaze fixed forward. The Imperial forces would soon realize they were not just facing the Crimson Blades. They were up against a fury far greater than they had ever imagined.

When they arrived at the next battlefield, Caelum moved with terrifying speed. The Imperial forces, caught off guard by the rapid attack, were thrown into disarray. Caelum led with tactical brilliance, breaking the enemy's lines with perfectly coordinated deep strikes.

However, this battle was different. At the end of Caelum's spear, Zarek's head still dangled, a symbol of strength and cruelty that continued to pursue the Empire. Every time the spear struck into the enemy, it was a reminder that the Empire would not be allowed to win without resistance.

---

The next battle was even more terrifying. Caelum, with Zarek's head at the tip of his spear, had become a symbol of terror—a leader not just seeking victory, but vengeance and conquest.

When the battle ended, and the Imperial forces retreated once more, Caelum stood on the battlefield, his spear still raised high. The rebels and Crimson Blades gazed at him with mixed feelings: fear and admiration. They knew one thing for certain: Caelum was not just their leader. He was the embodiment of a destroyed Empire, a harbinger of death to those who opposed him.