Shadow Slave: Eternal Madness

"Fresh air… didn't know I'm gonna miss it that much," Raphael muttered as he strode toward the Government Building.

He needed funds to prepare for the "Gathering." Unfortunately, Raphael didn't have a single cent to his name. That's why he was heading to the Government Building—not only to sell some Fallen Shards but also to handle another pressing matter.

As he walked, whispers floated through the crowd.

"Hey, is he an Awakener?" a girl asked in a hushed tone.

"No! Look how hot he is. He is at least a Master!" her friend replied, her voice excited.

"Fucking hell, man, he is huge. I really pity his girlfriend," a boy said, laughing.

"Yeah, man, I bet it's at least 8 inches," another boy chimed in from a distance.

"No way! It's at least 12 inches," a girl added, joining the conversation.

"What the fuck do you think he is? A horse?" the first boy snapped back.

Some started snapping pictures; others filmed videos.

Slap!

The crowd fell silent.

Raphael turned around to see an older woman, at least in her sixties, grinning at him.

"Hoho… you've got a nice ass there, boy. Not a bit of fat—it's all muscle."

'Am I being sexually assaulted right now?' Raphael thought, raising an eyebrow.

"Grandma, you should aim for someone your age," Raphael said, his tone calm but firm.

"Heh… and what do you know? Most of them can't even get hard," the granny replied, shrugging.

"You're not wrong…"

Before Raphael could say anything else, a woman in her thirties rushed over.

"Mother! What are you doing?!" she exclaimed, pulling the older woman back.

She turned to Raphael and bent slightly in apology.

"I'm so sorry, sir. I don't know what's gotten into her."

"No, no, it's fine. I understand," Raphael said with a polite smile. "But I'm in a bit of a hurry. I need to meet someone."

He turned and continued walking toward the Government Building.

After taking a few steps, the daughter turned to her mother and asked, "How did it feel?"

"You wouldn't understand, Sarah… it felt heavenly."

Sarah's face showed clear regret.

"I should've asked for his number."

"Aren't you married?"

"Does that matter? Just look at his abs and those juicy muscles," Sarah said, sighing wistfully.

Others nearby—both women and men—nodded in agreement.

Raphael, now an Ascended, could still hear them.

'Yeah, I'm definitely being sexually assaulted,' he thought, shaking his head.

After an hour of walking and enjoying the fresh air of the waking world, Raphael finally reached the Government Building.

Inside, hundreds of people were seated, waiting for their turn. He walked straight to the receptionist.

The man looked up, only to see a 6'7" (200 cm) titan standing before him.

"Yes, how can I help you?" the receptionist asked, his voice steady but tinged with awe.

"I'm here to sell some Soul Shards," Raphael replied.

"Of course, sir. May I ask what Shards you have?"

Raphael didn't answer immediately. Instead, he activated his ability, [Hades], to transport the Shards from the underworld.

"These are five Fallen Shards. How much do they sell for?"

Silence. Everyone in the building froze, staring at the Shards.

"Sir, may I ask what rank you are?"

"Master," he replied.

"From what clan are you?"

"I'm not in a clan."

"Do you work for the government, then?"

"No."

"Sir, could you please wait a moment?"

The receptionist stood and walked to a telephone. After five minutes, he returned.

"Sir, please come with me. Someone would like to meet you."

Following the receptionist, Raphael entered an elevator. They ascended to the top floor, walking down a long hallway before stopping at a door.

The receptionist knocked.

"Come in."

The receptionist opened the door for Raphael to enter.

Inside was a tall, gaunt man in his late fifties. His sharp features, piercing gaze, and raven-black hair—untouched by age—gave him an imposing presence.

"It's an honor to meet someone like you, Saint Cor," Raphael said.

"It's an honor to meet you as well…"

"Raphael."

"Yes, Raphael. Please, have a seat."

The receptionist left, closing the door behind him.

"So, Raphael, you're not affiliated with any clan, correct?"

"Yes."

"Do you plan to join one?"

"No, I don't."

"Then, would you consider working for the government? We can—"

"Saint Cor, may I ask you something?" Raphael interrupted.

Saint Cor, startled but composed, replied, "Yes, you may ask anything."

Raphael shifted in his seat, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

"How does it feel to be a slave to the Sovereigns?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

Saint Cor froze, his expression hardening. Summoning his Memories, he stood, his voice laced with killing intent.

"Who are you?"

"You haven't answered my question yet," Raphael said, unfazed.

"I said, who are you?"

Before Saint Cor could finish, seven ethereal figures emerged from Raphael's feet, circling the room.

Saint Cor's eyes widened. 'They aren't human… and their ranks… Saints!'

"Answer my question, Saint Cor."

Gritting his teeth, the man finally spoke. "What do you want me to do? They're Sovereigns! The entire world is under their control!"

"Pathetic," Raphael scoffed. "I can help you."

"How? By making me your slave, too?"

"No. We'll form an alliance. When the war for the Throne of Humanity begins between Anvil and Ki Song, you won't join either side."

"How can a Master with only seven Saints oppose the Sovereigns?"

Raphael chuckled.

"You think I'll oppose the Sovereigns with just this? No, Saint Cor, no. I have an army capable of conquering the Dream Realm and killing the Sovereigns within a year."

The seven Saints disappeared as Raphael stood and walked toward the door.

"I'll give you two weeks to decide. When you've made your decision, call me. Also, have the receptionist create an ID and a bank account for me."

"Who are you?" Saint Cor asked again.

"You'll know soon enough," Raphael replied before leaving.

Saint Cor sat back in his chair, staring at the phone, and made a call.

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Another one.