Last Updated:
2024-11-22 13:32:29Amid the fog of war that continued to shroud the border, a figure in a black cloak moved silently among the ruins. Rafael De Carlies, known as the Shadow Sword Master, moved as tracelessly as the wind. His eyes were sharp and calculating, and the weapon in his grasp glimmered dimly red under the moonlight.
The man was never clearly seen by anyone, preferring to wrap himself in a veil of mystery. Only a few knew that he was the illegitimate son of King Tremos De Carlies. Those who did know about Rafael's connection chose to remain silent. To most of the kingdom's people, Rafael's name was merely a faint whisper amid the chaos of the battlefield. Yet, among the kingdom's elite, he was more than just a soldier known as the sword master. Behind his masked face, Rafael possessed magical powers inherited from the De Carlies bloodline—extraordinary and dangerous powers that, if known, could make him a target in the kingdom's political games. However, Rafael sought no power; he was uninterested in any legacy that his father, King Tremos, might leave behind. All he desired was freedom—freedom from the shadows of the past and the noble blood running through his veins. The clinking of swords echoed from a distance. Rafael paused for a moment, closing his eyes and listening intently. The war at the border was worsening, and the kingdom's soldiers had to fight fiercely against the beasts that attacked more frequently. This land had never been safe, but now the situation seemed worse. As a soldier, he had watched his comrades fall one by one to the claws and fangs of these creatures. He knew that this war was not just a battle between humans and beasts. Hidden behind all this was a much larger political conspiracy. Someone was trying to exploit the chaos for personal gain, to shake King Tremos's throne, and Rafael could feel that he was part of this scheme. Yet he would not be a pawn easily manipulated. Even King Tremos himself knew well that Rafael was a threat in the form of an unacknowledged son. Slowly, Rafael approached the barricade where the soldiers were desperately defending against the onslaught of beasts. With a hand signal, he motioned for the soldiers to retreat. They recognized that signal—the sign that the kingdom's "shadow" would take action. Without a sound, Rafael stepped forward, his hand outstretched, and his lips whispered, reciting an incantation in an ancient language known only to a few. From his hand, a bluish-red light shot out, forming a protective shield around the soldiers behind him. The beasts lunged forward, but they were blocked by Rafael's magical barrier. Their teeth and claws seemed unable to penetrate the shield forged by the long-hidden magic. Rafael took a deep breath, allowing the power to flow freely. This power was not to be taken lightly; each time he wielded it, he felt a surge within him, a force that demanded sacrifice. Suddenly, a scream shattered Rafael's concentration. One of the soldiers shouted, "Retreat! They are coming again from the left side!" Rafael exhaled sharply, his sharp eyes darting toward the dark forest across the battlefield. Swiftly, he leaped forward, wielding his sword that now glowed with a magical light. In an instant, he was in the midst of the beasts, slashing them one by one. Each time his sword struck, the creatures burst into ash, vanquished by a force they could not withstand. Yet behind his courage, an unease stirred within him. Each time he used this power, he became increasingly aware that he was nearing the revelation of his true identity. He always tried to remain out of the spotlight, but this war had placed him on the front lines, making it harder to stay hidden. Amid the battle, he could feel the soldiers’ stares as they realized he was no ordinary warrior. There were murmurs about his origins, whispers of unfamiliar, even frightening miracles. Rafael tried to ignore them. Deep down, he knew this secret would soon be exposed. If this continued, there would come a time when he could no longer hide the truth about who he was. When the battle ended, Rafael stood in the middle of the field, breathing heavily. His body was covered in dust and blood, some of it his own, some from the beasts he had defeated. He looked up, gazing at the moon hanging high in the sky. Under that moonlight, he felt an increasing weight on his shoulders. Suddenly, a young soldier approached him, his face filled with awe and a hint of fear. "Who... who are you really?" he asked with a trembling voice. Rafael remained silent for a moment, then sheathed his sword. He looked at the soldier, his eyes cold but enigmatic. "I am merely a sword master, Duke Rafael De Carlies," he replied in a low voice. Yet, in his heart, he knew that answer was no longer enough. Slowly but surely, the truth would catch up with him, and he would have to face the legacy he had long avoided. "Impossible. How could a human possess such power?" The man still couldn't believe it, staring at Rafael suspiciously. Rafael smirked coldly, glaring sharply at the soldier. Then he spoke in a chilling tone, "You dare question me? How bold of someone like you to say such a thing!" The atmosphere tensed, and a shiver ran down spines as Rafael's cold voice resonated. His eyes seemed to sharpen, even his pupils turned a bluish-red. "If you speak nonsense to others, you will face the consequences!" Rafael warned the soldier who had dared to confront him. That night, as he walked back to the soldiers’ barracks, Rafael became more aware of his future. There was no longer any way to separate himself from the secret of the royal blood flowing through his veins. That legacy, that power, was a burden he had to bear. Although he never asked for it, he could no longer run from the destiny that awaited him.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 2
The battle cries echoed once more at the border. It was as if the field itself thirsted for the blood of soldiers willing to sacrifice their lives. Rafael stood at the front line, examining his worn shield. His sharp eyes scrutinized the approaching shadows of the feral creatures. He muttered under his breath, seeing how savagely the beasts tore through his men. There was no time to retreat or hesitate in eliminating these menacing creatures that had long terrorized the northern border of the kingdom. This time, the attack was more brutal, larger in number, and more organized than the previous onslaught. The scent of fresh flesh and blood pierced Rafael's senses. The battlefield and the soldiers' resting ground had transformed into pools of blood and scattered human entrails. Rafael felt frustration and anger at his inability to protect the many soldiers who had fallen to the beasts' onslaught. As Rafael prepared to advance, a familiar voice called out to him from behind. "Rafael..
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 3
The wedding took place in the capital on a cloudy afternoon. Dark clouds hung low in the sky, as if signaling the secrets and burdens that surrounded the ceremony. Yet, for those who knew the Hurbret family present, the wedding of Rafael De Carlies and Annette Hurbret still appeared grand, though wrapped in an enforced simplicity. White lilies adorned the main aisle, but the fragrance of the flowers was overpowered by the scent of iron, sweat, and the worry clinging to the skin of everyone there.Rafael stood before the altar, dressed in formal robes embroidered with golden threads, though the dark circles under his eyes revealed sleepless nights. Annette, by his side, looked like a newly blossomed flower. Her ivory silk gown and blonde hair that cascaded gently over her shoulders gave her an air of grace, despite the unease that she could not fully hide on her face. When their eyes met, something warm and light passed between them—a flicker of hope amidst the fog of uncertainty.“Fro
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 4
Annette had accepted Rafael as her husband. However, her uncle had not. Rafael’s life in the Hurbret family home was never as simple as the moments of laughter he shared with Annette. Behind the warmth that was slowly growing between them, there was another figure who constantly loomed, exerting an invisible but palpable pressure. Frederick Hurbret, Annette’s uncle, was a man brimming with pride for his family name, never missing an opportunity to remind Rafael of his lowly status.It all started on a crisp autumn day when the wind carried the scent of dried leaves. Frederick walked with steps that always sounded like a statement. The sound of his boots echoed across the marble floor of the main hall, where Rafael stood, examining a strategy map spread out on the long table. Rafael sensed Frederick’s presence even before the older man spoke—the air in the room seemed to tense.“Ah, my esteemed son-in-law.” Frederick’s voice cut through the silence, laden with sarcasm. His face, framed
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 5
Rafael stood in the middle of the vibrant flower garden, though his eyes were fixed on the ground with a vacant stare. His hands, more accustomed to holding a sword, now gripped a small trowel that felt oddly light in his grasp. It was strange to him. The flowers around him thrived, the result of long mornings spent there, a distraction from the inner turmoil and the raging battles at the border.His reverie was interrupted by Frederick's deep voice cutting through the air. "I’m tired of seeing your face. How long do you intend to stay in our house?" The derisive tone was sharp, piercing.Rafael straightened, not responding. His face remained emotionless, only showing the cold gaze he often used against the beasts on the battlefield. But Frederick's next words made his blood run cold.“Did you know? Annette regrets marrying a low-status soldier like you!” Frederick’s words seeped in, slicing deeper than the claws of any beast Rafael had faced.Rafael’s hand clenched at his side, the t
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 6
Rafael sat in the dimly lit study, accompanied only by a half-empty cup of wine and the dancing shadows of candlelight on the walls. His eyes were fixed on the piece of paper before him, but his thoughts wandered far, drifting to times when his life had been different. He remembered the early days when he secretly worked to help the Hurbret family recover from the brink of economic collapse. Back then, despite being a noble family, their wealth was almost just a name if Rafael hadn’t intervened.Using his influence and connections without the Hurbret family’s knowledge, Rafael infiltrated the kingdom’s trade routes, ensuring that every Hurbret venture yielded unexpected profits. He disguised himself as a mysterious broker, facilitating lucrative trade contracts and transactions. When gold began to flow back into the family coffers, Frederick claimed it as the result of his strategies and cunning. Annette, on the other hand, welcomed the news with a genuine smile that warmed Rafael’s h
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 7
The air felt heavy, like a dark cloak enveloping the entire Hurbret mansion. The moonlight shone dimly, casting faint shadows as Rafael walked briskly down the long corridor, his reflection flickering on the cold stone walls. Tension followed every step, tightening his chest. He stopped in front of Annette’s bedroom door, taking a deep breath before knocking firmly.Without waiting for an answer, Rafael pushed open the door and entered. Annette stood by the window, her white silk nightgown catching the moon’s glow as it seeped through. Her slightly blonde black hair cascaded down her back, adding an elegance that had once left Rafael awestruck. But now, that image was replaced by something that pierced his heart—cold and unreachable.“Why did you call me the gardener? Are you ashamed of having me as your husband?” Rafael asked outright. His dark, sharp eyes locked onto Annette’s. “I need an explanation, Annette. I am your husband!”Annette turned slowly, her movements weighted, as if
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 8
Annette’s room was filled with an unspoken tension. The flickering candles cast wavering shadows on the cold stone walls, shifting as the wind from the half-open window brushed through. The physician, with a serious expression, checked the pulse of the pale Annette. Meanwhile, Rafael stood rigid near the door, his body tense and eyes locked on his wife. Frederick, draped in a shimmering black robe, stood in the corner with arms crossed, his brows furrowed in a look full of accusation.“You know, Rafael!” Frederick’s voice broke the silence like an axe splitting wood. “This is all your fault. Annette collapsed and fainted because of the pressure you brought into this house.”Rafael frowned but kept his mouth shut, restraining the storm in his chest. He knew that arguing with Frederick would only lead to more conflict. Yet tonight, Rafael’s calm was wearing thin.“Uncle, this isn’t the time to—”“No!” Frederick stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger. “You pretend to care, but what
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 9
Since that rejection the previous night, Rafael's mind had been clouded, filled with relentless noise and confusion about what to do to keep Annette from avoiding him. A sliver of morning light touched Rafael's face as he stood at the bustling market dock. The air was filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their goods, the scent of spices, and fish mingling in the gentle breeze. Rafael took a deep breath, trying to shift his thoughts away from the chill that lingered in the Hurbret household. Annette had grown colder, and it haunted every corner of his mind. He wanted so badly to get close, to help her through the early days of her pregnancy, but Annette seemed to build higher walls every time Rafael tried to approach.“Sir.” Caesar’s voice cut through Rafael’s reverie. Caesar, his loyal right-hand man, stood with arms crossed over his chest, his sharp eyes scanning the commotion around them.Rafael turned, pulling himself back to the present. He looked at Caesar with a questioni
Latest Chapter
- Duke Of Darkness
CHALTER 22
Rafael stood tall before the massive mirror adorning the wall of his lavish chamber. His broad shoulders were cloaked in an outfit tailored to perfection, befitting his new title as crown prince. A sleek black suit with modern cuts hugged his frame, paired with a long crimson mantle that shimmered subtly under the golden light. The royal crest of Carlies, a gleaming gold emblem, adorned his chest, a symbol of the authority now officially his.Servants moved swiftly around him, adjusting the folds of his suit, slipping white gloves over his hands, and ensuring every detail was immaculate. Rafael, however, remained calm, unfazed by the flurry of activity.His gaze in the mirror reflected the bearing of a leader, though beneath his composed exterior lay a flicker of satisfaction he couldn’t entirely mask. It wasn’t just the restoration of his rightful title that pleased him—it was also the ruin of those who had once dismissed him."Frederick," Rafael murmured softly, his voice laced with
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 21
Three days had passed, and the devastation in Hurbret was undeniable. Small villages lay in ashes, fields were barren, and refugees filled the main roads with despair etched into their faces. The air reeked of smoke, blood, and death. Frederick stood on the balcony of his now-disheveled estate, his sharp eyes scanning the empty fields below, his jaw clenched tight.Inside the house, the chaos mirrored the destruction outside. His trusted secretary stood with his head bowed, clutching a stack of official documents. His voice trembled as he spoke, trying to deliver the news delicately.“Baron,” the secretary began softly but firmly, “I’ve just received a report from the royal envoy. The kingdom is planning a welcoming feast for the new crown prince.”Frederick froze for a moment, then slowly turned with eyes as sharp as daggers. “What?” he asked, his voice low and filled with menace.“A welcoming feast, sir,” the secretary repeated, swallowing hard before continuing. “The new crown prin
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 20
In the vast silver-toned chamber, Rafael sat in an armchair, holding a glass of red wine in his hand. The room felt warm, but Rafael’s mood burned hotter. A brief report from Caesar had just been delivered, and every word in it brought a wide smile to his face.He read the letter again, letting his eyes dance over the words describing the downfall of the Hurbret family. The collapse of trade guilds, attacks from wild beasts, and the growing number of refugees—all these details seemed like personal entertainment to Rafael. But the highlight was the description of Frederick, the once-arrogant baron who had now become a desperate man groveling for help to survive.“That coward truly is like a dog,” Rafael muttered disdainfully.He couldn’t hold back. A booming laugh erupted from his lips, echoing through the chamber like a victory bell. Tossing the letter onto the table, he swirled the wine in his glass lazily. “Utterly hilarious,” he murmured, his smile curling into a sneer.Rising from
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 19
A week had passed since Rafael left the Hurbret territory, and chaos had begun to unfold. The once-thriving trade guilds collapsed one after another. Goods failed to arrive on time, and trading partners gradually withdrew their support. Meanwhile, wild beasts from the forests, which had previously kept their distance, began attacking nearby villages. Farmers lost their fields, and residents started abandoning their homes in search of safety elsewhere.In the grand but now hollow Hurbret manor, Baron Frederick paced back and forth in his study. The once-confident man now bore a somber expression, deep lines of worry etched across his forehead. Reports piled up on his cluttered desk, none of them bearing good news."Why is this happening?" Frederick muttered in despair, staring blankly at the scattered papers.In the corner of the room, Marquess Greyson Yrewich sat with a tense expression. His fingers massaged his temples, his tired eyes reflecting his growing frustration. As a landlord
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 18
The banquet hall that night was filled with the aroma of exquisite cuisine, the clinking of wine glasses, and the lively chatter of knights. The majestic pillars of the royal dining room stood tall, adorned with golden carvings reflecting the shimmering light from the crystal chandelier above. However, the jovial atmosphere abruptly shifted when King Tremos rose from his seat, raising a hand to command silence."Brothers!" Tremos' voice boomed with authority, echoing throughout the hall. "Tonight, I wish to introduce someone many of you thought lost to us. He is my blood, a son who has proven himself far beyond these palace walls. My own son—Rafael De Carlies."Sitting calmly beside the king, Rafael raised his wine glass slightly, a faint, unreadable smile gracing his lips. Some of the knights looked puzzled, while others immediately rose from their seats, bowing respectfully."Greetings to the Grand Prince of Carlies," one knight proclaimed with reverence."Isn't he Duke Rafael, the
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 17
The luxurious chamber fell silent after the heated exchange. King Tremos stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his emerald eyes locked sharply on Rafael as if trying to decipher every detail of his son’s expression. Finally, Tremos took a deep breath, his voice lowering from its usual commanding tone.“So, what is it that you want?” Tremos asked, at last, his voice calm but still cold. “Do you wish to be king?”Rafael, who had been standing nonchalantly with his hands in his pockets, raised an eyebrow, as though surprised by the question. Slowly, a thin, meaningful smile curled on his lips. He didn’t answer right away, letting an awkward silence stretch between them. Finally, with a casual motion, he stepped away from the sofa, standing tall in front of his father.“Yes,” he answered firmly. “Restore my status. I am still your son, am I not? Isn’t it time I replaced you? Though times are changing, the title of king might not hold the same significance in the future. Even so, I’l
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 16
Rafael sprawled on the luxurious, plush sofa, his eyes closed as he indulged in the rare softness beneath him. The vast room around him was adorned with expensive tapestries and gilded carvings, a stark reminder of the grandeur of the Carlies Kingdom’s palace. Yet, to Rafael, this opulence was nothing but a facade—a painful reminder of a past he loathed.He exhaled deeply, letting his mind wander. The image of Frederick flashed in his thoughts, his face fraught with panic and despair. A faintly wicked smile curved on Rafael’s lips as he envisioned the impending downfall of the Hurbret family. Without his protective magic shielding their lands, the ferocious creatures would soon exploit the vulnerable borders."Feast well, you beasts," Rafael murmured under his breath, eyes still shut. "I've prepared a banquet for you."In his mind, scenes of ruin, panic, and the ultimate collapse of the Hurbret family played out like a theater performance crafted for his satisfaction. For years, he ha
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 15
The capital city of the Carlies Kingdom buzzed with a rare energy. The main streets were packed with citizens who had traveled from all corners of the kingdom. Flags and banners fluttered on street poles, while children ran around waving small flags in the kingdom's colors. The sweet aroma of street food mingled with the crisp midday air, creating an atmosphere of excitement.On balconies overlooking the streets, women waved with wide smiles, while men spoke animatedly about the arrival of someone they believed had long disappeared—the Swordmaster, also known as Duke Rafael De Carlies.Inside a sleek black car, Rafael sat silently, gazing out at the throng of people lining the streets. Their joyous faces didn’t seem forced; they looked genuinely thrilled at his presence. But Rafael couldn’t shake the skepticism gnawing at his mind.“Caesar,” Rafael said softly, his voice almost drowned by the cheers outside. “Are they truly waiting for me?”Caesar, seated in the front, turned his head
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 14
The sky had started to turn blue above the horizon as a classic black car sped down the long, gravel road, leaving the Hurbret family estate behind. Inside the vehicle, Rafael sat silently in the back seat, wearing a neatly tailored black suit he didn’t seem to care much about. His gaze was fixed on the window, where the countryside gradually transitioned into a dense forest.Beside him, Caesar, his loyal right-hand man, sat with his hands folded in his lap. The man's face was tense, though he tried to conceal his unease about the atmosphere around them. "Sir," Caesar said, breaking the heavy silence in the car, "I just want to confirm... Are you certain about leaving the shield behind?"Rafael turned his face away from the window, his cold black eyes locking onto Caesar. "That shield was made to protect them," he said slowly, his voice low and sharp. "And now, I have no reason to protect them, let alone care about their downfall."Caesar nodded faintly, though his expression remained