In the shadows cast by the Aetheron continent, Edmund Nightshade slipped through the narrow alleys of the slums like a ghost. His steps were light and quick, always finding the most inconspicuous shadows to tread upon. His name echoed through the dark corners, not because of some noble bloodline, but because he'd carved out his own way to survive in this land of despair.
Edmund wasn't a standout in terms of looks, but his eyes held a mischievous glint. His hair was a mess, and his skin was pale from a lifetime of poor nutrition, but that didn't stop him from being a legend in his own right within the slums. He had a knack for thievery and an even better one for evasion. His fingers were nimble, capable of undoing the most complex locks with ease, and he moved with an agility that allowed him to vanish before the eyes of his pursuers.
Today, his target was an abandoned warehouse on the fringes of the slums. Word had it that it had become a secret hub for the Nightfall Covenant, a mysterious and powerful organization that wielded forbidden magic, summoning the undead under the cover of darkness to carry out covert missions. Edmund was intrigued by this magic, but what truly piqued his interest was the rumor that Covenant members always carried valuable magical artifacts.
As night fell, Edmund approached the warehouse silently. His eyes scanned the darkness, seeking the best point of entry. He noticed that the back door seemed a bit loose, a potential opening. He carefully pushed the door open, and a musty odor assaulted his senses, but he didn't hesitate, slipping inside with haste.
The interior of the warehouse was larger than he'd imagined, with various clutter piled up around, leaving a spacious area in the center. Edmund's gaze swept the room, and he spotted a figure in a black cloak whispering in a corner. He instantly recognized it as a member of the Nightfall Covenant preparing some sort of magical ritual.
Edmund's heart rate spiked; he knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He stealthily closed in on the figure, making sure not to make a sound. Just as he was about to get close, a faint light shone from under the cloak, followed by a powerful magical flux that swept through the entire warehouse.
Edmund felt an invisible force pin him to the ground; he couldn't move, and even breathing became difficult. He realized he'd been discovered, and the other party's strength was far beyond what he'd imagined. He struggled to break free from the force, but it was futile.
At that moment, a deep, magical voice echoed in his ear: "Young one, who are you? Why have you intruded here?"
Edmund felt his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he was facing a tough choice. He could choose to lie, trying to bluff his way out, or he could choose to confess, seeking the other party's mercy. But his intuition told him that this member of the Nightfall Covenant was not someone to be trifled with. He had to make a decision that could change his destiny.
He took a deep breath and then spoke slowly: "My... my name is Edmund Nightshade. I came here because I am very curious about the power of the Nightfall Covenant."
His voice echoed in the spacious warehouse. He didn't know what would happen next, but he knew it would be a turning point in his life.