vol.1 chapter 2 The mask figure.

Intrigued by the invitation, I cautiously approached the unknown masked figure. His voice carried a hint of mischief, but something about it felt familiar. As I drew nearer, I realized that the mask concealed the face of my childhood friend, Ethan.

"Ethan? Is that really you?" I asked, my heart pounding with a mix of surprise and relief.

He removed his mask, revealing a mischievous grin. "Alex! Long time no see. I never thought I'd find you here, of all places."

"I could say the same for you," I replied, a mixture of disbelief and excitement washing over me. "What are you doing here? Are you a part of the Foltens too?"

Ethan's expression turned serious. "I infiltrated their ranks a year ago. I wanted to gather information, to understand their plans. It's dangerous, but I had to do something."

His words resonated with my own intentions. "I'm here for the same reason, Ethan. We need to put an end to this war and bring justice to our people."

Ethan nodded, his gaze filled with determination. "Agreed, Alex. Together, we'll uncover their secrets and expose their true intentions. But we must be careful. Trust no one except each other."

As the ceremony was about to commence, we made a silent pact. We would navigate the treacherous waters of the Foltens, uncover their darkest secrets, and bring an end to their tyranny. The two katanas I had chosen felt weighty in my hands, a symbol of the battles to come.

Little did the Foltens know that their own ranks housed a pair of determined allies, ready to expose their lies and bring an end to their reign of terror. With renewed hope and a shared purpose, Ethan and I prepared ourselves for the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that the fate of our country rested in our hands.