The moon had begun its slow descent, leaving streaks of silver across the city’s darkened streets. The orphanage was quiet, but within its walls, a new order had taken root—one that would ripple outward like poison.
Kael sat on the edge of the main hall, the Devil’s Dagger across his knees, its crimson glow pulsing faintly. The air around him hummed with the presence of the System, its whispers curling around his mind.
[Alert: Subordinate Progress Detected.]
[Lira: Blood Baptism complete. Growth in strength +5.]
[Witness: Obedience link initiated. Potential loyalty forming.]
[Recommendation: Begin structured training. Optimize subordinate potential.]
Kael’s sharp eyes shifted to Lira, who was seated across from him, quietly observing the boy—the silent witness—scurrying about the roo
