The city slept beneath a silver-tinged moon, its streets quiet, only the occasional clatter of a distant cart or the hiss of rats breaking the silence. The orphanage, though outwardly still, pulsed with the memory of blood.
Kael sat on the edge of his bed, the Devil’s Dagger across his lap, its crimson glow throbbing softly like a heartbeat. He stared at the blade, feeling the System’s whispers crawl through his mind.
[Main Quest: Path of the Devil.]
[Requirement: Gain 3 loyal subordinates within 30 days.]
[Progress: 1/3.]
His eyes flicked to Lira. She stood in the doorway, shadows falling over her thin frame. Her tangled black hair hid much of her face, but her eyes gleamed—hungry, sharp, eager.
“You are bound to me,” Kael said, his voice low, calm. “But binding alone does not make
