The journal's black leather cover felt strangely familiar under Kael's fingertips. The symbol of the Nightfall Syndicate gleamed under the flickering torchlight, mocking him—a reminder of the past they stole from him.
His breath was steady, but his mind roared with unease.
"No more secrets."
Kael flipped open the journal.
The First Page
The first words sent a chill through his spine:
"Project Silent Blade – Initiation Log"
Beneath it, an entry written in sharp, calculated strokes:
---
"Subject: Kael Veyne
Condition: Exceptional. Superior physical and mental adaptability.
Objective: To create the first living weapon of shadows."
"Process: Ritual infusion of an ancient assassin's bloodline, combined with the Nightfall Syndicate's lost techniques."
"Results: Subject survived Phase I. Full potential remains locked. Further trials required."
---
Kael's grip on the pages tightened.
Project Silent Blade.
They had been experimenting on him.
The scattered memories from his past—**the ritual, the pain, the voices—**they weren't just nightmares. They were real.
The Experiment Unveiled
Kael turned the page, his pulse pounding.
---
"Phase II – Blood Awakening"
"The subject's natural abilities were insufficient. To unlock his true potential, we performed the Eclipsed Bloodline ritual."
"Unlike previous subjects, Kael Veyne did not perish. His body adapted."
"However… unforeseen consequences have arisen."
"His shadow abilities have manifested unpredictably. His mind has begun rejecting implanted commands. Further conditioning may be required."
---
Kael's jaw clenched.
They hadn't just trained him. They had tried to control him.
And somehow—he broke free.
A Name from the Past
He flipped to the final entry.
---
"The subject has escaped. His memories are fractured. If he remembers the truth, the Syndicate will be in danger."
"If he seeks vengeance, activate Protocol Ebon Reaper."
"Only one man can stop him—Master Vaelin Dusk."
---
Kael's breath caught.
Vaelin Dusk.
The name rattled something deep inside him—a face hidden in the fog of his lost past.
"Was he my mentor? My captor? My executioner?"
Kael didn't know. But one thing was certain: this man was still out there. And he held the final piece of Kael's past.
No More Running
Kael closed the journal, his thoughts burning.
The Nightfall Syndicate thought they could control him. Use him.
They failed.
Now, he had the knowledge he needed. He knew what they did to him. And soon… they would pay for it.
His hunt had a new target:
Vaelin Dusk.
The one man who could give him the truth—or die keeping it.
---