12 [[[CROW]]]

Cruden did not stop there he continued to jump from shadow to shadow. After leaving that dangerous situation, Cruden didn't know what to do. He had successfully escaped but where was he to go. He was currently standing on top of a roof. He looked down at the shadow he had emerged from and closed his eyes. He started to reflect on his previous battle and actions.

His powers were not that hard to control. It felt like he had always been born with that power. He was strong but he could not defeat the warden. He knew where his weakness was. He had no battle experience, no martial arts, and no weapon. If he presents himself before the young master and all his guards. He would definitely die.

He then opened his eyes and looked off into the distance. From where he was standing he could see the young master's castle. Veins began to appear on his head. He needed more time. It took a while for him to calm himself down.

He slowly turned around and stared at the spot a few meters behind him. He knew he was being followed. He could sense his stalker from a mile away. He remembered the feeling and knew who exactly it was

"You've followed me all the way here. It would be rude for you to not show yourself". If someone saw from a distance they would think Cruden was talking to himself but his eyes never left that spot. He waited for a while but there was no answer.

He decided not to speak anymore and his body slowly started to sink into his shadow but before he could completely descend he saw the shadow flash from the spot it was and slowly approached him.

The figure decided to expose himself. It had taken him quite some time to find the young man. He was an expert in concealment and tracking but he knew his powers did not compare to youth before him. He would never admit it but if it wasn't for the youth exposing himself. He would never have found him. There was no trace.

In addition, he could now tell upon closer inspection. The youth's martial arts were on a completely higher level than his. He had used a secret technique to mask his presence and blend himself into the shadow but it appears the youth was one with the shadow. The majority of the youth had disappeared into the shadows.

All he was looking at was a head sticking out of the ground. If he never saw it himself he wouldn't have believed it. It was an impossible situation. He had spent nearly all his life to get to where he was at.

What was even more bizarre. He could clearly see the youth but he could not sense him. His spiritual sense was flashing over Cruden but it wasn't reacting to his presence

He had his own reasons for following Cruden. This youth might be the answer he has been looking for all his life.

Cruden saw the figure approach and could tell it was a skinny middle-aged man dressed in all black. He had long black hair and dead lazy eyes. He appeared as nothing interested in this world. Cruden didn't leave his shadow but decided to stay partially emerged. Even though the man wasn't attacking him, based on the malicious energy he kept his guard up.

They both just stared at each other. The man wasn't fond of talking so this was quite difficult for him and Cruden just stood there staring at him. The man realized Cruden was doing it on purpose so he decided to swallow his pride.

"Let's go back," the man said in a dead tone

"Why?" Cruden responded mischievously.

"Let's go back"

"Why??"

"Let's go back!"

"Why?"

Lets…

"Why?" before he could finish Cruden shamelessly asked again.

The man had never been so humiliated in his life. He wanted to rush forth and try detaining the young man but he could see he was very cautious of him.

"Let's go back to see the warden. He would be able to explain everything to you. As you can see we mean you no harm". He signed heavily, he was defeated.

Cruden smiled widely. Even though half his face was hidden including his mouth. His eyes were sparkling

The man could tell based on Cruden's eyes. He was also an expert in reading faces. He was so angry but he was a professional and kept it hidden. If Cruden knew how many ways the man was planning on killing him. He would be very scared.

What is your name? Cruden asked. My name is Cruden.

"You can call me….;" The man thought for a while. He didn't want to scare the boy so he did dare use his alias. He was known as the "Bloodied Crow". He was a deadly assassin. "You can call me crow"

"Mr. Crow, nice to meet you. I will go with you on one condition. You have to teach me martial arts and how to fight"

Crow was caught off guard with Cruden's request. This little monster before him wanted him to teach him. He didn't think much about it and accepted it on the spot.

Cruden laughed with excitement. He didn't forget his goal of getting strong for his lord and his revenge.

"I'll see you there" he replied as his body disappeared.

Crow didn't know how to respond. He was left on the roof by himself. His body quickly faded into the shadow and he was gone as well.

Back at the mansion. The warden was sitting in his office reading his reports. He was confident that crow would accomplish his mission. He had underestimated Cruden but that was for another time.

"Hello new boss" a playful voice sounded out in the room.

The warden immediately jumped out of his seat. It was the kids' voice. He was surprised but he quickly got himself together. He spread out his spiritual sense but he could not sense the kid. He was confident the kid couldn't hurt him so he relaxed.

He immediately sat back down then smiled. "So your back…. Welcome.'' "Hopefully crow wasn't too rough with you. He can tend to be a little aggressive".

"Oh, that old man. He will be here soon. He's a little slow"

He sat there awkwardly with a worried look on his face. He was lucky that crow was not here at the moment. If crow was to hear the kid's words. He wouldn't be able to save him. He cleared his throat.

"Just a word of advice from your new boss. If you value your life, kid, don't ever call Crow old in his presence" the warden said as he looked around the room. He heard Cruden's voice but could not locate him even after this time. It was then he realized he couldn't sense Crow's presence but he was not worried

Cruden didn't know why the warden's tone changed but he didn't take him seriously. the warden was a weird fellow.

The door in the room slowly opened and a figure slowly walked in. The warden knew the figure. it was Crow. he had finally arrived.