Bloodstained Oath: English

The sky was overcast, hanging low as if pressing on every soul that walked the cobbled path toward the border. The light rain that fell created a slow rhythm against their helmets and armor. The Crimson Blades moved in silence, like shadows drifting without purpose. Only the creak of chains and the thud of boots on the ground bore witness to their march.

In the middle of the line, Caelum walked without speaking, his gaze fixed forward. His steps were nothing more than an empty routine—yet beneath the silence, his mind churned. He heard soft murmurs behind him but paid them no mind.

Raedan, their leader, suddenly raised his hand, signaling them to stop. He pointed to the ridge ahead. "We're almost there," he said firmly. "The caravan will pass through the gap between the two hills. We'll hide on the right and left sides, then ambush them in the middle."

Everyone immediately obeyed. In silence, they scattered, taking positions as planned. Caelum moved to the right side, following orders without a word. Nearby, Carl walked with a noticeably lighter step compared to his comrades. The man glanced at him and gave a slight smile.

"You've been quiet lately," Carl murmured casually, though his eyes watched Caelum's every move. "What happened? You used to be so fiery about taking revenge on the Empire. Now? You're more like a shadow just following orders."

Caelum paused briefly, staring coldly at Carl. "A shadow can kill too," he replied, his voice almost a whisper.

Carl chuckled softly, but something in his eyes—curiosity, perhaps even unease—was evident. "We'll see," he said before moving on.

Mist that Carries Blood

The morning mist shrouded the border as The Crimson Blades took their positions. In the distance, the shadow of the Imperial caravan began to appear. Several wooden wagons, tightly guarded by soldiers in black, the Black Guard—elite soldiers of the Empire. There were five of them, figures that stood out among the regular soldiers. Their movements were precise, like predators ready to tear apart anyone who approached.

Raedan squinted, trying to count the number of enemies. "We don't have much time," he whispered to the nearest members. "Once they start moving again, we'll lose our chance."

Meanwhile, Caelum observed the Black Guard with a sharp gaze. They were more than just soldiers to him—they were symbols of oppression, dark shadows that haunted his life. His heartbeat quickened, but his body remained calm, his grip on his sword tightening.

Raedan signaled. "Elira, open with your arrows. Daryn, Torren, follow me for the front assault. Caelum, Carl, you'll ambush from the right." His gaze fixed on Caelum. "And don't be reckless."

Caelum nodded without speaking. But in his heart, the long-burning thirst for revenge began to dominate. Today, he thought, he would show the world that even shadows could be swords.

---

The soft whistle of Elira's bow broke the silence. The arrow flew, piercing the helmet of the soldier leading the front of the caravan. The first scream echoed, creating chaos among the Imperial soldiers. Raedan and Torren immediately charged, descending from the hill with devastating force. Daryn was behind them, his sword cutting through enemies without hesitation.

Caelum and Carl, on the other hand, moved like shadows. They approached the rear wagon, where secret documents were kept. As a guard appeared, Carl placed a finger to his lips, signaling Caelum to be silent. He moved without a sound, sneaking up behind the man and plunging his dagger into his back with a swift motion. The guard fell, his blood spilling onto the ground. Carl turned with a small smile.

"Learn," he said.

But before Caelum could respond, another soldier appeared from behind the wagon. Without waiting, Caelum stepped forward. His sword moved like a sliver of moonlight sweeping through the night, cutting the man's throat with precision. Blood sprayed, the soldier staggered before collapsing to the ground. Carl watched with narrowed eyes, a cynical smile forming on his face.

"You're colder than I thought," he murmured.

---

In the midst of the battlefield, the Black Guard finally began to move. One of them, a large man with a massive axe, advanced, slamming his weapon into the ground. Raedan tried to parry, but the force of the man's strike pushed him back several steps. On the other side, a masked woman wielding twin swords approached Caelum.

"You look like a child," she said derisively. "What makes you think you can fight us?"

Caelum didn't answer. Instead, he stepped forward, raising his sword. "A child can kill too."

The battle between them was like a deadly dance. Each strike from the woman was swift and lethal, but Caelum's movements were smoother, almost like an illusion. His sword gleamed under the dim morning light, reflecting the burning vengeance in his eyes.

However, a sudden shout caught his attention. He turned and saw Elira collapsed on the ground, an Imperial soldier with a long spear approaching her. Time seemed to slow. In his mind, shadows of the past surfaced—his mother's soft smile, her words echoing: "Value the lives of others, son. Don't let hatred blind you."

Caelum growled softly. He spun around, abandoning the Black Guard woman, and rushed toward Elira. Just as the enemy's spear was about to strike her back, Caelum lunged, his sword smashing into the side of the soldier with full force. Elira was startled, but quickly grabbed her bow and helped Caelum finish off their opponent.

"Get up," Caelum murmured in a low voice, his eyes never leaving the battlefield.

Elira smiled faintly. "I should be saying that to you."

---

The battle grew fiercer. Carl, who had previously moved alone, was now beside Raedan, helping to hold off the large man with the axe. However, the enemy's strength was too great. In a single swing, the axe struck Raedan, knocking him down with a massive wound to his chest.

"No!" Caelum shouted. He ran toward Raedan, but the large Black Guard raised his axe again, ready to deliver the final blow. Carl, though wounded, appeared from the side and plunged his dagger into the Black Guard's back. The man roared, but swung Carl aside with a crushing blow, sending him crashing to the ground.

Caelum arrived just in time to block the next attack. His sword clashed against the enemy's axe, creating sparks in the air. Daryn and Elira quickly arrived, offering support. Elira's arrow pierced the man's helmet, and finally, together, they brought him down.

When the battle subsided, Caelum approached Raedan, who lay on the ground. His breathing was weak, blood flowing heavily from his wound.

"Raedan…" Caelum's voice nearly trembled.

The leader opened his eyes, looking at Caelum with a weak smile. "You... fought well... But this isn't over."

"We can heal you. I—"

Raedan shook his head faintly. "No time... The documents... Make sure you get them... Lead them... I... Have Taught You... Right?"

With his last breath, Raedan fell silent. Life left his body, but the weight of responsibility shifted onto Caelum's shoulders.

---

That night, beneath a sky full of stars, Caelum stood atop a hill, gazing at the silent battlefield. In the stillness, he whispered to the shadow of himself.

"Raedan, I won't disappoint you. I will lead them. I will destroy this Empire, no matter how much blood I must spill."

And with that vow, the shadow inside him grew into something darker. Something that could not be stopped.