Shadows and Secrets

William stumbled into the village head's office, fear and sweat clinging to him like a second skin. He dumped the body of Randy before the sturdy old man, his words tumbling out in a panicked rush.

Gordon, the village head, remained calm despite the gruesome sight. His bushy white beard framed a face etched with experience, and the tattoo of a massive axe on his shoulder pulsed with a faint blue light, echoing the three faint gold marks floating above his head.

William's frantic report filled the air, detailing the discovery of Randy's body and the theft of his pouch. The news ignited a cold fury within Gordon.

"Someone dares to mark up by killing my guard? Unforgivable!" he roared, his voice resonating with power.

The room crackled with the energy of his anger, forcing William to his knees. In a moment, the aura receded, and Gordon regained his composure.

"Send someone to replace the guard and summon the remaining village guards," he commanded, his voice cold and resolute. "I want them here within ten minutes!"

William, his face pale, scrambled to his feet and rushed out to fulfill the orders.

Meanwhile, in Kana's bakery, a hidden agenda unfolded. A window popped up on Kana's mind, displaying Mo's body status and tattoo information. Her eyes gleamed with undisguised greed as she devoured the details of his innate tattoo, "Devil's Rage."

What Kana remained oblivious to was the existence of the system protecting Mo's true potential. The "Combo" function and "Soul Eyes" remained hidden under the "Special" attribute, shielded from her prying eyes.

Despite her lack of complete information, Kana's desire for Mo's power was undeniable. Her smile, once warm and inviting, now held a hint of malice as she masked her true intentions.

"Mo," she began, her voice gentle, "I can see you have an innate tattoo. Would you show it to me?"

Mo, instinctively wary, met her gaze with a calm smile of his own. Years of experience playing virtual reality games had honed his ability to read people. He sensed a hidden agenda beneath Kana's feigned kindness.

"I can't really use it," he replied smoothly, "I don't know how."

Kana's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "I see," she said, masking her disappointment. "It's a pity, I have never seen an innate tattoo used."

Mo, sensing her true feelings, remained on guard. He knew there was more to Kana than met the eye.

"I'm sorry," he said politely. "I'll be going now then! Thank you for the bread."

As Mo turned to leave, Kana watched him go, a cold glint in her eyes. "Not now," she muttered, her voice barely a whisper. "We have planned everything for 5 years already. I can't let myself slip up."

A chilling chuckle escaped her lips as she retreated into the shadows of the store.

Back at the village head's office, Gordon stood gazing out at the sky, a heavy burden upon his shoulders. "Is the disaster coming already?" he murmured, his voice filled with a mix of fear and determination.

The death of Randy was just the beginning of a storm. Shadows were gathering, and a clash seemed inevitable. As the village guards scurried to investigate, Mo, unaware of the danger brewing around him, walked into the unknown, his fate yet to be determined.

Mo wandered through the bustling village, drawn towards the sounds of excitement emanating from a central location. He found himself standing before a large, boxing-ring-like structure, teeming with spectators engaged in heated debate and passionate bets.

Intrigued, Mo approached a young man who was shouting his own wagers with fervor. "Hey, big brother," Mo greeted politely, pointing towards the ring. "What's happening there?"

The young man, initially dismissive upon seeing Mo's tattered attire, froze upon spotting the distinctive tattoo on his arm. Recognizing the symbol of a tattooed warrior, the young man quickly straightened up and answered with newfound respect.

"Greetings, warrior," he replied, his voice tinged with awe. "This is the Duel Ring, a place where tattooed warriors gather to test their skills in open combat."

Mo listened intently, absorbing the details. "And the rules?" he inquired.

"Simple," the young man explained. "Two warriors compete, overseen by a referee of higher brand level. Competitors must be of the same brand level, excluding mark rank. They are divided into Red and Blue corners, and bets are placed before the match. The winner takes 5% of the total pot."

"No killing," he continued. "Five rounds of three minutes each, with thirty-second intervals. A knockdown earns a point, and the winner is determined at the end of five rounds, either by knockout or points."

Mo contemplated the information, recognizing similarities to boxing from his past life. "How do I participate?" he asked.

"Announce your name after the current match. The referee will assess your strength and confirm your eligibility."

Mo nodded his thanks and moved closer to the ring, his eyes fixed on the ongoing fight. The warrior in the Red corner roared triumphantly, raising his muscular arms as he knocked his opponent unconscious in the third round.

The referee, radiating a white aura with four marks, declared the victor and raised the winner's arm. The crowd erupted, a mixture of cheers and groans echoing through the air.

"Does anyone wish to challenge Zangu?" the referee boomed, his voice amplified by his white brand.

Mo felt a surge of determination. "Me!" he declared, his voice clear and unwavering.

A stunned silence fell over the crowd. They turned to see the source of the bold voice, only to find a young boy with sky-blue hair and piercing blue eyes. Their initial amusement quickly turned to shock as they noticed the tattoo on his arm.

The referee, momentarily surprised, quickly regained his composure. "Release your brand aura, young warrior, and allow me to judge your qualifications."

Without hesitation, Mo unleashed a faint gray aura, a single mark swirling above his head. The crowd gasped in unison. This young boy, barely out of childhood, already possessed a gray brand – a remarkable feat.

The referee's eyes gleamed with genuine excitement. He had never encountered such talent at such a young age. "State your name, boy!" he commanded, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Mo Hardinger," Mo replied, his voice calm and steady despite the crowd's bewildered stares.

With a nod of approval, the referee announced, "Passed! You may enter the ring and take the Blue corner."

A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd as Mo confidently walked towards the ring, ready to face the formidable Zangu. Little did they know, this was only the beginning of Mo's journey, a journey that would propel him into the heart of a world filled with unexpected challenges and exhilarating battles.