Liven walked with heavy steps toward the cold streets of Vellan. The silence of the night that cloaked the city was broken only by the storm of thoughts in his head. He was no longer Riven. He had left his past behind, carrying a new name, walking a new path: Liven.
But the weight still pressed on his shoulders. The demon's voice echoed in his ear:
> "You are my toy… With the power I've given you, I'll see what you become."
He narrowed his eyes. As he neared the entrance of the guild, his expression was both determined and weary. In the middle of the night, he walked alone through the narrow streets of Vellan, lined with ancient stone buildings. At the end of a narrow passage, an old building with iron doors stood before him. A faded sign above it read:
"Night Nail Guild."
The guard at the door eyed him with suspicion.
"What's your name?" he asked in a harsh tone.
"Liven," he replied curtly. "I've come… to join."
The guard studied him for a moment. His gray hair and red eyes stood out. Then the man opened the door.
"Go inside. But don't trust anyone here."
As Liven stepped in, the air inside felt cold. Stone walls, dim lights, and the stares that followed him… Everyone fixed their eyes on the newcomer. Some with scorn, others with curiosity, and some with outright menace.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from within:
"A newcomer, huh… What did you say your name was?"
Following the voice, he saw a woman standing there. Her gaze was sharp, her long black hair framed a stern face, and she wore a dark blue cloak.
"Eliana," she introduced herself. "I'm an instructor here. But first, I need to know why you're here."
Liven lowered his head slightly.
"To control my power… and to find myself."
Eliana narrowed her eyes.
"Or perhaps you're here only for revenge. But in this place, it's not revenge that matters—it's discipline."
At that moment, another figure entered. Tall, broad-shouldered, his face marked with scars.
"If he's staying, he must pass the test first," he said with a mocking tone.
For a moment, Liven's past surged back into his mind. A wave of fury flickered across his face. But then he drew in a deep breath.
"Whatever the test is… I'm ready," he said firmly.
From the depths, the demon whispered:
> Good… The darkness is wrapping around you completely. Let's see how long you can endure…"