Reborn In The Shadow

Michael sat in a cold, dimly lit room, his hands bound by thick iron cuffs. The walls were stone, the only light coming from a lantern hanging overhead. Across the table sat Leon Diamond, his sword resting against his chair. His piercing blue eyes never left Michael's monstrous mask.

Michael leaned back, the chains clinking. "You dragged me all the way here just to stare at me?"

Leon didn't smile. "You killed ten people."

"They deserved it."

Silence. Leon studied him, his expression unreadable. "Tell me everything."

Michael tilted his head. "Or what?"

Leon sighed, standing up. In one swift motion, he slashed his sword downward, stopping inches from Michael's neck. The blade hummed with energy, a faint silver glow surrounding it.

Michael didn't flinch. "Tch. Fine. You want to know how I got here?"

He leaned forward, his voice dropping.

"It all started with my death "

Michael's fingers curled into fists as he remembered.

"I was nothing. Just some street rat, beaten every day by scum who thought they were gods." His voice darkened. "I was weak. I let them take everything from me."

He exhaled sharply. "Then one night, they went too far. They broke me. Killed me."

Leon narrowed his eyes. "And then?"

Michael smirked beneath his mask. "Then I heard a voice."

He described the void. The monstrous mask. The offer of rebirth.

"I accepted without hesitation. And when I woke up, I wasn't the same." He lifted his hands, and shadows curled around his fingers despite the cuffs. "I became something else. Something stronger."

Leon tapped the table. "And the first thing you did was hunt them down."

Michael shrugged. "Can you blame me?"

Leon didn't answer immediately. He studied Michael again—his posture, his tone.

Then, he placed his sword back down.

Leon sighed. "You're reckless, dangerous, and unstable."

Michael smirked. "Thanks."

Leon ignored him. "But you're also strong. And strength like yours shouldn't be wasted on pointless revenge." He leaned forward. "The world is bigger than just you. There are things out there worse than those gangsters."

Michael's eyes narrowed. "And you want me to fight them?"

Leon nodded. "Join us. Use that power for something more."

Michael was silent for a moment. Then he let out a dry chuckle. "And if I say no?"

Leon's expression didn't change. "Then I kill you."

Michael grinned. "Well, when you put it like that…"

Leon stood, unlocking Michael's cuffs. "Welcome to the Guild."

Leon led Michael through the massive stone corridors of the guild headquarters. The place was old, but strong—a fortress built for warriors.

Michael barely had time to take it in before they entered a training hall.

Inside, three people stood, each radiating their own powerful aura.

The first was a woman clad in red armor, a massive crimson sword strapped to her back. Her scarred face and piercing eyes made her look like she had walked through hell and survived.

Leon gestured toward her. "That's Scarlet, aka The Empress of Hell."

She eyed Michael, unimpressed. "This the guy you dragged in?"

Michael smirked. "Like what you see?"

She scoffed. "I see an idiot who thinks he's untouchable."

Michael chuckled. "Guess we'll see."

Next, Leon pointed to a young man in a blue hoodie and black jeans. His spiky hair made him look casual, but the way he carried himself screamed fighter.

"This is August, aka The Right Hand of God."

August yawned. "Cool mask, bro."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "You're not gonna threaten me too?"

"Nah." August stretched. "I'll just kick your ass later."

Michael chuckled. "Looking forward to it."

Finally, Leon turned to the last member—a girl dressed in an outfit made entirely of shimmering diamond-like armor. Her warm smile stood in contrast to the others' cold stares.

"This is Ember, aka The Great Diamond."

Ember stepped forward, beaming. "Nice to meet you!"

Michael blinked. "Huh. You're… different."

She giggled. "What, expecting another scary warrior?"

"A little."

Scarlet scoffed. "Don't underestimate her."

Michael smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Leon crossed his arms. Michael glanced at his new teammates, his grin widening beneath his mask.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.