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House Of Shadows
Author: John Harrison
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

""What is it that my tea time couldn't wait for? This better be good, Mel!" 

In the meeting chambers of one of the four generals of Harijoh, General Mel had called upon the two other generals for a meeting. 

General Mel was a tall and boisterous woman known for her ruthlessness and savagery in the entire region. 

General Axel, the short, muscular man who complained earlier, had his feet placed on top of the meeting desk as he kept whining about being summoned to the meeting as he placed his two broad swords on the desk. 

"Now now, Axy. I'm sure Mely has a good reason for summoning us; let's hear her out."" 

The one who spoke this time was General Gantala, the youngest of all the four generals, famous for his cunning tactics in war and recon. 

"It's Axel! Pff whatever, carry on, Mel!" 

"Thank you for coming on such short notice; I will cut straight to the point."

She places a map on the desk and spreads it open as he continues.

"My spies have spotted the ark of our culprit around this area here." 

Axel interjected as he slammed his fists on the table. 

"Hah! Then what are we waiting for? Let's go full army on those bastards and make them pay for tarnishing the title of the four generals!" 

It's not like the four generals are all on good terms with one another. They actually can't stand to be in the same room together. 

But the few things they all have in common are their hate for artifacts and the loyalty they have towards the king; as such, they cannot just allow some random artifact user to get away with killing one of them. 

"Why don't you let Mely finish first, Axy?" 

Gantala nods to Mel to continue with her explanations. 

"Don't you think sending the nation's army to a small guild is overkill and dishonorable?" 

"People will start talking about how it takes an entire army to take out the perpetrator who murdered Ona!" 

"That's right, and that will only bring further shame to the nation." 

"Hmm, so what do you have in mind, Mel?" 

"We sent out Yuri Ona." 

The other two generals all had devious looks on their faces, as they seemed to understand what Mel was planning. 

"But do you think that a psychopath would be one to follow orders?" 

"Don't forget that Yusaku Ona was his brother, and I'm very sure he's out for blood; we're only going to help him out by giving him the coordinates to their locations." 

"Brr, I think it's even worse than sending an army." 

"Sending the nation's strongest mercenary, who's even stronger than the four generals, to take vengeance for his own brother's murder? I'd say that Shadows Guild is about to get what's coming to them."" 

Meanwhile... 

"Old man, thank you for your help and hospitality."

"Yeah, I would've been a goner if it wasn't for you."

"Hohoho, you young people are always welcomed here."

"Cawwwww!!!"

Krystal and co. were being escorted back to Dragonheart as they bid goodbyes to Shambala and Ada.

Meanwhile... 

Two figures were seen kneeling as they addressed their leader. 

"Father, my apologies for failing our mission." 

The ones that spoke were Reed, Krystal's, and Keth's elder brothers. 

He began explaining how they managed to trace Krystal and how he started a guild and even has an Ark. 

And then he continued to explain their experience in Shoot Village. 

"Hmm, so that old man's still alive?" 

Their father, Stark Shadows, had a sinister look on his face as he gazed down on his sons. 

The appearance was sharp enough to peel their skins off. 

"Y-yes father." 

Keith was shaking uncontrollably as he answered. 

"We will gladly take any punishment you deem worthy of our blunders, father." 

Reed added, making Keith quiver in fear even more as they both bowed their heads. 

"That will be all; you're dismissed." 

Both Reed and Keith widened their eyes at their father's comment as they both silently stood up and began to walk towards the exit of the room. 

It wasn't a lie that even Reed, who asked for punishment, was scared of their father. 

This man is the head of the House of Shadows. A group of masterful and elite assassins who, by their names, work excessively in the shadows. 

They reign over the Austa Region. It was located far on the eastern continent. 

A region made famous for its title, "The Land of Death,". 

"So, you're an assassin?" 

Krystal had just given his team the story of where he came from and who his family is. 

"Hahaha! I knew the captain was special from the very first time he kicked me in the face."" 

"I'm sorry for not telling you two all this while." 

Krystal had his head lowered and his fists clenched. 

"It was a part of my life that I wanted to abandon." 

He continued. 

"I grew up in a place where the only things we were taught were to obey orders and kill." 

The scene shows a young Krystal being beaten up by his father. 

"Other children grew up playing games with their friends or playing with colorful toys." 

The scene changes to Krystal standing on top of a pile of dead bodies, holding a knife made out of his shadow. 

"The only games we played were ones that wedged people's lives, and the only toys we had were the artifacts that were forcefully contracted to us to create the perfect killing machines." 

"I couldn't take it anymore—the look of despair on my victims' faces as they drew their last breath." 

The scene changes to Krystal staring down at the large mansion he used to call home while he was holding a bag. 

""I decided to run away and left for a distant region. Six months later, I met you, Grover."" 

Everyone was quiet as Krystal continued. 

"I'll also understand if either of you wants anything to do with me again; it'll be for the best too, because I am very sure Father will not stop until he gets what he wants." 

'Damn, to think my childhood was bad'. 

Grover smirked as he placed his arm around Krystal's neck. 

"So you're an assassin; well, I'm a thief; Vladmir is a big lump of mass; and Justin is a coward." 

"Hey!" 

"Hahaha, he's not wrong, you know." 

Grover continued. 

"I've never met my dad; the only thing I knew about him from my mother was that he left this hat for me before he died." 

"Krystal, we all have our pasts, but never think that we'll bail on you because of some sappy-dressing ninjas." 

Grover held his fist forward as Vladmir did the same. 

"Yeah, captain! We'll train harder and get even stronger; I will get that bastard of a guy to land a cheap one for me!" 

"Grover... Vo...." 

Krystal smiled at this development as he also followed suit. 

Justin, who was lying down, had nothing but respect for this trio. 

"Hey! What do you think you're doing, Justin!?" 

Grover called out to the archer as he got up. 

"You're part of the team now; we've already talked about this with everyone, so get your ass over here before we change our minds."

"Ahh, right!" 

He ran over to their side and also held his fist out like the rest. 

"I won't let any of you down."

Krystal thanked them; for the first time ever, he didn't plan on running away from his family's clutches. 

'Father, I refuse to let you keep dictating my life.'

He plans on fighting back this time. 

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  • The Guild Of Shadows    The Primordial Puzzle

    In the meeting room of the three generals, a young swordsman walked in."What do you geezers want?"Gantala wiggled his finger at the boy."Now, Roro, is that a way to talk to your lovely uncles and aunts?""Grr, I told you two, getting this troublemaker will only make matters worse."Axel was pissed at the boy's rude manner of addressing them.Mel walked over to Yuri and handed him the map with a mark on it."Here, with this, you can trace the perpetrators who killed your brother."The boy raised his eyebrows and took a look at the map."We hereby grant you permission to take whatever action you deem necessary as long as you slaughter every single one of the Shadows Guild."Yuri chuckled as he threw the map and sliced it into dozens of pieces with his blindingly fast sword technique.Axel clenched his fist while Gantala giggled as Mel kept a stoic face."You think I would let somebody get away with killing my brother?"He took out his phone, which contained the coordinates of the dra

  • The Guild Of Shadows    The Mad Sword

    "Krystal Shadows, you are hereby sentenced to death for the murder of Yusaku Ona."Before the confused-looking Krystal could respond, Yuri charged at him with incredible speed.Only Krystal and Vladmir could react to this showcase of speed as the targeted Krystal jumped out of harm's way, barely dodging a slash from the attacker's Fellium sword."Wait! I didn't kill Yusakukar.""""Resorting to lies now, are we? And it's Yusaku Ona!""Ahhhhhhh! I've got to get to safety!"Justin screamed as he dashed the other way. "Tsk that coward!" Reginal scoffed.Yuri and Krystal, on the other hand, were exchanging blows. It was more like Krystal was barely avoiding all of Yuri's attacks. "You're the worst kind of trash who can't even recall the names of your victims!" Yuri channeled his aura into his sword as he took a pose with the sword sitting on his shoulders."Dai style: Eclipse slash!"He swung his sword down, creating a powerful shockwave of anima that sent Krystal flying as he crashed

  • The Guild Of Shadows    Gandiva

    "Is your brother really there?" Krystal asked, looking at the big house in the dark forest near Lily Town. Yuri, still sleepy, listened to Krystal talking about the fight with Yusaku Ona and the strange person with a scythe. "If they use a scythe, it's that witch," Yuri said, hitting the desk. "Good thing their hideout is close, and I know where," Krystal said, excited for Yuri to join Shadow. Thinking about his battles, Krystal said, "Without Malacoda's power, I'd lose." Using demon Artifacts like Malacoda had a price. Krystal gave six years of his life for power. "What does this 'witch' want with you and your brother?" Krystal asked. Yuri explained their past with Sasha Kay and the Envoys Guild. With a plan, Krystal and Yuri went into the mansion, fighting guards. As Krystal walked inside, someone attacked him quickly. Krystal realized he needed a different plan. Meanwhile, at the smith's shop, Grover looked at his new sword, proud of his skills. The crew knew Krystal's p

  • The Guild Of Shadows    Speed

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  • The Guild Of Shadows    Thunder Brutality!

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  • The Guild Of Shadows    Absolute Darkness

    darkness that could send shivers down anyone's spine. The two commanders were facing each other in the pitch-black room. Krystal, who had seismic sense, was effortlessly navigating through the dark environment. In contrast, Sasha struggled to block some of Krystal's attacks. It was a completely one-sided battle as she tried to heighten her senses to keep up with him.Krystal skillfully employed the black zone as one of his assassination techniques. His decision to use it again demonstrated just how formidable Sasha was as an opponent. At the beginning of their confrontation, Sasha dealt significant damage to Krystal using her scythe, which directly drained power from his soul.For someone like Krystal, who is accustomed to various forms of pain, this experience was excruciatingly agonizing, similar to what he usually feels when trading his life force for more power from his artifact.As he activated the black zone during their fight, he thought, 'If I don't act fast enough, she'll t

  • The Guild Of Shadows    Your Darkness

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  • The Guild Of Shadows    Justice

    "Oh my goodness! What is your intention? exclaimed Krystal, who arrived with Sasha just in time. He swiftly intervened and prevented the blade from piercing through the chest of the captured general.Without giving anyone a chance to react to his sudden arrival, Krystal delivered a powerful punch that sent Yuri flying across the room."What on earth do you believe you are engaging in?scolded Krystal sternly."What in the world do you think you're doing!?""Tsk, it's none of your business," scoffed Yuri, avoiding eye contact with Krystal. "This is the only way for justice to prevail."He got back up and wiped Krystal's blood splattered all over his face from when he stopped the sword with his bare hands."Justice? You think killing him is justice?" Krystal took a few steps forward until he was standing face-to-face with Yuri."Sasha, what are you doing here? Did you bring the enemy here?""Jacob, I know this may sound selfish, and I know how far you all went for me, and I'm very grate

Latest Chapter

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    Fini

    Grover sat meditating in the house of shadows. One of the most unlikeliest places that he thought he would be at this time. Not quite surprisingly, it had been a year since their adventures with the members of the guild and the Ore organization. He smiled gently because, at least, that was something to smile about now—because those were terrible days. Days in which they lived for months on the brink of the end of all humanity, only one step away from one wrong move. Beside him, Shambala was levitating. It seemed as though both of them were communicating through telepathic means without even saying any words. Not too far away from them, Vladimir and Krystal had just finished dueling that morning, and while Vladimir had stopped to clean the perspiration from his face, Krystal, who had won the match, was feeling a bit more excited and was walking away with a smile on his face.On Krystal’s side, it seems like after everything, their lives went back to normal. But, of course, he knows th

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    In The Enemy's Lair IV

    Krystal, in getting out of his stance, quickly lunged at the man, whom he quickly identified as a member of the organization. He remembered the horrible things this particular individual had done to him in the past few hours and was not only going to pay back, but was also going to take the opportunity to punish him for his offenses against mankind.The man quickly realized that he was in a dire situation with three of them facing him, but being a typical member of the organization, it did not even occur to him that there was any other way out of this. He was possessed by the kind of pride that could not ask for mercy. He braced himself for battle and began to fight ceaselessly, even as they attacked him mercilessly on every side.Several times in the short period, they would look at each other’s faces and, without saying a word, deploy the strategy on how to teach this fellow lesson. All he knew was that he bore the brunt of this skill technique, but he did not know how they arrived,

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    In The Enemy's Lair III

    As Grover and Vladimir fought with the guard, Krystal simply looked on without saying anything. Grover realized that, at that point, he was unstable and also very vulnerable. It could easily be tilted in any direction if he stayed in that trance, so even as he fought, he thought of the scheme to get them out of this situation.“Krystal! Krystal, we’re here.” He yelled, but there was no response.Seeing this, they immediately continued to fight with the man once again while they kept trying to use physics on Krystal so he would awaken.Krystal remained where he was standing and didn’t quite pay attention to them, but the man they were fighting with did not like the idea that they were trying to wake Krystal up. The man was annoyed with the way things were going. It was his fault, but there was nothing he was going to be able to do about it. He had caused it. In that moment, he thought of a number of things. The first of which was the reason why he did not call for backup as soon as he

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    In The Enemy's Lair II

    Grover lay on his side, thinking about how he had probably broken a few ribs and how tired he felt. This fight had gone on seemingly forever. He knew they could not give up. But he had to admit that he was getting tired. He looked to Vladimir, who was unmoving with his face in the dust, and did not like the silence, which was only interrupted by the heavy breathing of the guard. If there was any consolation in this situation, it was the fact that the heavy breathing was an indication that the guard himself found them a worthy challenge and was also tired.Just as they finished fighting, as they lay in the dust, they heard a mighty sound as the wall behind them cracked. Grover mustered all his energy in time to see what had made that sound, and he noticed Vladimir also tried to do that, regardless of how tired he was. Not knowing what was beyond the wall, he did not like it that the man behind it had been fighting. He was excited about whoever was coming behind it and looked at it with

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    In The Enemy's Lair

    Grover and Vladimir had been fighting the security person they had seen by the gate to the cave, and it looked like he was getting the better of them. In fact, he had begun gloating, teasing, and making fun of them about how weak they were despite being two and coming against him as a single person.Just as he thought that he had defeated the two, a loud yell came from deep inside the structure. When Grover heard it, it took a minute to sink in, and he then became excited because he would know this voice. Anyway, this was Krystal’s voice. Krystal was yelling that he was not going to agree to be used.“ Arggg!!! Leave me alone! I will win! I have already won! I will always win.“ He kept shouting these over and over again, warding off whatever entity it was that he was fighting, saying that he wouldn’t give up and he'd keep fighting. The more they listened to the exchange, the more they realized that he wasn’t fighting with someone outside of himself but with something on his inside. It

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    Battle At The Gates Of Doom II

    Grover and Vladimir have been deployed by Shambala to go find Krystal and his father, rescue them, and bring them to safety while he and the rest of the guild had a face-off with the members of the organization at the gate. Aside from the unfortunate fellow who had seen them attempting to escape and had paid for it dealing with his life, no other person had seen or been accosted so far because of the chaos they had left at the gate. Grover did not think that they would intentionally make such a stupid decision as to drain the entire facility of its fighting force to only one location to fight an enemy.He thought that the decision to concentrate their entire fighting force in one location was born out of the mindset that they had never been attacked here and, with the exception of the members of the guild, might never have even been discovered at this location. Grover also thought of how it was such a good feeling. Nobody was lunging at him to take his life or were trying to fight wit

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    Battle At The Gates Of Doom

    As soon as Grover noticed that the portal and the gates had started shutting them in, he quickly shouted, “Fight for the freedom of the five continents, oh ye men! This is a fight for the earth!”This charge, as innocuous as it sounded, was just the right encouragement that his comrades needed as they warded off their enemies with physical strength and artifact strength. They fought as though recharged by an invisible force.While he was fighting, Shambala found a way to distance his mind from the fight and then his thoughts. And as he did so, he realized something. That one, when the bell was rung earlier, had a code to it. One strike alone would have been a major indication that the barrier had been reached. Two strikes would have been a call for reinforcement, being that the intruders would be too strong. Three strikes were a summons for every possible fighting person in the structure to come out and join the reinforcement. And if that was the situation, it means that every single

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    The Gates Of Doom III

    Open, open, mother of horror, and let the children come in. Kin or foe, you shall decide. For to kin your cleave and on foe you will feast. These words reverberated in Grover’s mind as he heard the crack of the opening of the Gates of Doom, and indeed, as they opened, he understood why they were known as the gates of hell. The others have been clearly amazed that the poem he heard in the atmosphere turned out to be the key, and as Shambala said the words, the gate opened. However, before they could jubilate, some figures flew out of the building, looking at them angrily; they did not look like they were pleased to see them.Obviously, since no one knew the location of the gates of doom, it was understandable that they had not had guests in a long time. Not like a place called the Gates of Doom would have many visitors at any rate. In Vladimir’s mind, as he looked at these figures, he quickly realized that this was where the battle was to begin. He only hoped that their fate did not e

  • The Guild Of Shadows    

    The Gates Of Doom II

    Following the suggestion by one of them, they fired at the barrier until a building started to reveal itself in bits as they hit it. And as they persisted, the whole building was shown to be a gate. At some point, no matter how hard they hit, the building wouldn’t budge but continued to reflect their energy against them. It’s only made him get tired faster.Shambala had come to the front of the company and was able, after some time, to interpret the inscription on the door. He voiced out the words in the old tongue and then translated them into their language as “the gates of doom." As if the literal meaning of the words was not terrifying enough, the horror on his face as he said those words made a chill run down the spines of his men. Some of them, who had invariably been to close the door, moved further away from it.Of course, they knew that they had no choice but to go in knowing that Krystal was in there, and they would not leave without him. Seeing these things only made them he