When Adrian opened his eyes, he didn't see the cold metal ceiling he remembered—only the cracked stones of a natural cave dome. The cool dampness of the soil seeped into his back, and a faint breeze carrying the scent of moss drifted between the stone walls.
He slowly sat up. No chains… no uniform… no captivity.
His hand moved to his chest. The agony of his death had faded, leaving behind only a thin scar.
Adrian:
"Was it… all a dream?"
He drew in a deep breath. His dark past felt distant, replaced for the first time by a strange lightness.
Stepping out of the cave into the moonlight, the world revealed itself in its full majesty. A vast green forest, a silver moon glowing like a polished plate, stars shimmering like crystals.
A world both dangerous and breathtaking.
He knelt by the creek. In the water, he saw his reflection. A new body—eyes glowing violet, appearing around fifteen or sixteen. Yet those violet eyes held something else… the gaze of a soul that had returned from death.
Adrian:
"I'm no longer Adrian…"
(he pauses, breathes deeply)
"Shadow."
The world seemed to fall silent, as if accepting the name.
At that moment, metal clashes, shouts, and explosions echoed from deep within the forest. Red flashes lit the treetops.
Shadow moved toward the noise. Through the branches, he saw two opposing groups.
On the left, men in black suits stood with powder-based firearms. At their front was a refined, cold, monocled man. His soldiers called him the Duke of Iron.
On the right stood shirtless, muscular lumberjacks and miners. Leading them was Argon—a massive, red-bearded giant in a crimson beret, the master of the mines.
Tension sliced the air like a blade.
Argon:
"Duke of Iron… I have every right to raise the tax on the ores I sell to you. And you will accept it gladly."
Duke of Iron:
"Tax? This is robbery, Argon. You're breaking our agreement."
Argon:
"Agreement? When every ore vein in the kingdom belongs to me, do you really think your little firearms can challenge me?"
The Duke's soldiers raised their guns.
Duke's soldier:
"My lord, give the order. We'll fire!"
Duke of Iron (raising his hand):
"No. I want to hear this pig say his true reason out loud."
Argon (furious):
"Then listen well… and hear your death with your own ears."
The battle erupted instantly. Gunfire thundered, pickaxes clashed with blades, and the forest glowed with violent red light.
Shadow watched from the brush.
The Duke was being pushed back as Argon advanced with heavy steps, swinging a massive axe.
The Duke raised his gun—empty.
Duke of Iron (teeth clenched):
"Damn it…"
He crouched to reload, but stumbled. The loaded rifle slid from his grasp.
Argon lifted the axe high.
Argon:
"Tonight you die, Duke of Iron."
A dark instinct rose within Shadow.
He stepped out of the bushes. Both Argon and the Duke turned in shock.
Shadow grabbed the fallen rifle, lifted it to his shoulder, and pulled the trigger.
The explosion echoed through the forest. Argon's chest burst open. The giant staggered two steps and collapsed.
The battlefield froze.
The Duke slowly got to his feet, staring at Shadow. Behind the monocle was a blend of brilliance and disbelief.
Duke of Iron:
"You… who are you?"
Shadow lifted his head. Moonlight glinted off his violet eyes.
Shadow:
"Shadow."
The Duke repeated the name quietly.
Duke of Iron:
"Shadow… You saved my life. That won't go unrepaid."
He turned to his men.
Duke of Iron:
"Secure all of Argon's mines and slaves. These lands and their veins belong to us now!"
Then he stepped closer to Shadow, his gaze sharpening.
Duke of Iron:
"Thirty percent of Argon's mines are yours. The rest are mine. From this moment on, you are my right hand. Your courage, your intellect… and that darkness in your eyes… may change the fate of the kingdom."
Shadow took a deep breath. He reached out his hand and accepted the pact.
Shadow:
"I accept… There's no turning back now."
The Duke smirked slightly and turned to his soldiers.
Duke of Iron:
"Welcome him. A feast will be prepared—tonight we celebrate our rise and the arrival of our new ally."
The soldiers cheered, their voices echoing through the woods.
Soldiers:
"SHADOW! SHADOW! SHADOW!"
CHAPTER 3 – End