Shadow Slave

"I would not. But you can call me Shadow."

The voice of the man who called himself Shadow resounded in the lightless temple, making it seem as though the darkness itself had answered her question. That strangely elusive voice was cold and aloof, devoid of any emotion.

And yet, there was a hint of arrogance to it. Nephis frowned subtly.

Now that the introductions were out of the way, it was time to announce the purpose of her visit. However, she was at a disadvantage. The master of the dark temple seemed to know everything about her, and yet, she knew close to nothing about him.

Even Cassie, whose gaze could pierce countless mysteries, seemed to be entirely blind to the existence of the Lord of Shadows.

"To what do I owe the honor of being in the presence of Lady Changing Star? What do you want with me?"

Nephis hesitated for a moment, thinking.

She had been sent to persuade a powerful Saint to join the banner of the King of Swords. However, having reached his Citadel, Nephis had to reevaluate her opinion of the Lord of Shadows.

He was not merely powerful... no, he was one of those few like herself who were beyond the ordinary definitions of power.

Now that Nephis had seen the vast expanse of inexplicable darkness, the bones of dreadful abominations hidden in its tenebrous embrace, the solemn edifice of the dark temple, and the creatures that guarded it, she knew that the Lord of Shadows had not survived in Godgrave by luck, or by having an Aspect that was uniquely suited for living in this harrowing environment.

Rather, he had survived here through strength.

...Which only made him more desirable.

Of course, there were still many unknowns about the enigmatic Saint. Nephis could not be sure of what his powers truly were. The fierce creatures that served him were neither Echoes nor Nightmare Creatures... so, they could have been manifested by his Aspect, like the hideous Reflections of the Prince of Nothing were, or subjugated like those abominations that Beastmaster ruled.

in direct combat. It was also unknown where he had come from, and how he managed to become a Saint without leaving any

had a

were exceedingly rare, let alone those who were truly powerful. Meanwhile... five of the six divine lineages had already been reclaimed by

the inheritors of War God, Song were the inheritors of Beast

last lineage remained

had been able to find and inherit

of immense power that had come out of nowhere, wielding authority over shadows. Was he the proof

why now? What did

and exalted status didn't mean much, because the man she wanted

treat the Lord of Shadows... as an equal.

Lord Shadow. I won't be coy... you asked me what I want?

paused for a moment, then added in

shift behind her. One of them even seemed to choke, coughing loudly in the dead silence

of Shadow did not respond immediately,

carefully considering the benefits and disadvantages of pledging his allegiance to the Sword Domain. I wouldn't expect

silence stretched for longer than she had

see. He must

So, she waited patiently,

of Shadows spoke again, his elusive

masterfully hid her

serve under the banner of the King of Swords, protecting and expanding the domain of

a

be discussed later, anyway. Resources, assistance, powerful Memories and Echoes, soul shards... nothing is out of the question. You won't be undervalued,

and then the cold voice resounded from