The city of Kaelith whispered secrets, its skyline a jagged testament to ambition and despair. In the shadow of its towering spires, Marcus moved like a ghost, his black hair blending into the dimly lit streets. He paused beneath a flickering streetlamp, brown eyes scanning the restless world around him, as if peeling back the layers of reality to find the truths hidden beneath.
"Power isn't granted. It's taken," he muttered under his breath, a mantra more for himself than anyone else.
Marcus had never desired attention or fame—both were distractions for fools. He wanted something far greater: freedom. The kind of freedom that required more than just will; it demanded control over the unseen forces that governed others' lives.
The market district buzzed with activity even in the late hours. Merchants peddled wares, their voices drowning in the hum of the crowd. Marcus navigated the chaos with purpose, his mind already working through potential threats, opportunities, and exit routes.
As he slipped into an alley, his steps light and deliberate, a faint hum vibrated in the air. He froze, his senses sharpening. Something—or someone—was watching.
A group of men emerged from the shadows, their eyes glinting with malice. Small-time thugs, by the look of them. Marcus sighed inwardly. Another distraction.
"Empty your pockets," the leader growled, brandishing a rusted knife.
Marcus tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "How can weaklings like you ever hope to stand against me?"
The fight that followed was brief but brutal. Marcus's movements were a symphony of precision and power. A kick to the knee, an elbow to the jaw, a knife wrested from trembling fingers—it was over in seconds.
As the last man groaned on the ground, Marcus crouched down, his voice cold. "Next time, choose a different target. You're not worth my time."
He rose, brushing off his jacket. The hum returned, stronger this time. Marcus glanced upward and caught a glimpse of something—or someone—moving along the rooftops. A shadow detached itself from the night and disappeared into the distance.
For the first time in years, Marcus felt a spark of curiosity. Someone was playing a game in Kaelith, and he intended to learn the rules.