The Reaper's Wicked Obsession
Chapter 58: The Master & Disciple

Chapter 58: The Master & Disciple

Ekko’s eyes scanned the city, the warm lights casting a glow over the scene, while the sharp, high-pitched cries of bats echoed in the distance as they flitted through the air.

It’s been a long time since he left, and coming back, nothing had changed, but it felt good to be home.

Suddenly a sensation found him, causing his pulse to quicken and his blood to sing. Without wasting a moment he vanished leaving behind no traces.

Ekko reappeared in a blacksmith shop, his eyes scanning the lonely place. But it wasn’t, because there was a sharp ring of a hammer striking against steel.

Ekko instantly fell to one knee and lowered his head at the sound. "Lord Raven."

Kraven stopped his actions to observe the steel he had been working on for days, before submerging the two blades into the water to cool off.

Grabbing a towel at a corner he wiped the sweat beaded on his face and turned to the dark figure. "I had a feeling you were back," he mused.

"I was worried," Ekko said in a stiff voice. "I heard from Logi you left bed rest after a seal, it’s risky, Lord Raven."

"How was the mission?" Kraven asked, diverting the topic.

"The usual."

Kraven didn’t reply as he returned to his work, using the tongs to grab and inspect the blade.

"Still needs work," he murmured, dropping the blade and walking to the forge to heat it.

Ekko watched his master in silence. He can’t seem to remember the last time he used this place. His master was a pro blacksmith, but it had been winters he worked on a blade.

’Have his old one dulled?’ he thought but he had known his master to use exceptionally large swords that fitted his physique. The two short blades he saw earlier did not match his aura.

"I shall go back and return when you’re free, Lord Raven," he said, not wishing to disturb him.

This place was a private place and time for him.

"No need... Now that you’re here, I need something" Kraven said, turning to his faithful servant, a smirk forming on his lips.

"What do you wish for, Lord Raven?"

"I need you to trace a certain individual and his dealing..." Kraven began. "He’s called Thornfoot,"

"....."

"He goes by ’Thornfoot the dirtbag’ on the east coast. I had the opportunity to cross paths with him, did a few dealings for passage and the bastard doubled crossed me. He sold what he shouldn’t have."

Ekko flinched which was rare for him but the only person who could get a reaction out of him was his master. His aura was suffocating and it had ever since he mentioned this individual.

His blood boiled and the need to do something about this dirtbag would be greatly pleasing.

"I need only information, don’t do anything rash."

"Yes, Lord Raven."

"I have a feeling he didn’t work alone in his last deal, I need more information on that. The fastest way to get rid of a nuisance is to uproot the roots... if he worked for someone then I erase that existence and then him."

"Make sure you get me what I need just in time for the Hunt," Kraven added, turning back to dip the blades in the hot coal.

"As you wish."

"Lord Raven," Ekko began after a moment of silence, hesitating.

He does not wish to leave without finding out the reason why his master decided to risk his life.

"Forgive me if I’m overstepping... Why didn’t you let the seal take root? Logi might be extravagant with his technique but he’s never wrong."

"Each lettered rune on your skin takes a percent of your life span in exchange for securing your powers from going berserk. It shouldn’t be treated carelessly."

Kraven laughed lightly. "Are you calling me careless, Ekko?"

"F-Forgive me, that was not my—"

"I’m aware of the risks," Kraven cut him off before he could finish. Popping a loose muscle on his neck he said. "But what is the use of the seal when the weaves won’t stay silent like they are meant to? Too bad Logi’s design wasn’t perfect after all"

He eyed the fresh rune on his lower abdomen, it was now considered a damaged lock—they all were.

Ekko froze at his declaration and the news caused him to stand to his feet abruptly. "The seal didn’t work?"

He didn’t want to believe that it was all futile after all these winters, it can’t be possible.

"It’s rare to see you talk with so much emotion," Kraven said, turning as he pointed the heated blade to him. "And don’t get worked up about it, it was about time anyway."

"But Logi gave assurance it can hold out for long"

"Forget about what Logi said, a weaver cannot escape their abilities, it eventually catches up to them whether they want it or not. I’m just the unfortunate one who got a curse instead of a blessing from the gods."

"But you’re not just any weaver"

"Enough!" Kraven snapped, placing the heated blade, and grabbed his hammer, turning his back to Ekko. He does not wish to continue this pointless talk.

"Leave me be, I’m busy and be back before the Hunt," he said but paused just halfway to the blade as a smile found his lips. "I wouldn’t want you to miss the debut of my prey"

’Prey?’ Ekko thought with a pause, confused but then recalled the gossip in the city about a stray in the court. He didn’t pay attention to it but was it connected?

Ekko eyed the blade his master was working on with such intensity. This was considered a hobby and it was undeniable that he was an expert in this art.

He never forged a blade for anyone.

"Yes, Lord Raven, I’ll be back with the news," Ekko replied, lowering his head and vanishing into thin air.

Kraven paused his hammering action and raised the blade, a smirk finding his lips. "Now this is... perfect."