Steam rose from the imperial bathhouse, curling in eborate patterns before disappearing into the night air. Outside, two imperial guards stood at rigid attention, their ornate armor gleaming in the ntern light. They were the Emperor's personal guardsmen, selected for loyalty and combat prowess, trained to die before allowing harm to reach the Son of Heaven.

  Neither noticed the slight movement in the shadows above them.

  Nine clung to the curved eave of the bathhouse roof, her body a dark silhouette against the darker night sky. At sixteen, she had grown into her full height, her lean frame containing a lethal combination of strength, flexibility, and precision that made her arguably the most dangerous of the remaining candidates. Her cropped bck hair was pulled back tightly, her face deliberately nondescript — a face designed to be forgotten the moment it was no longer seen.

  Tonight's exercise was a simuted assassination — a final test of the candidates' infiltration skills before their formal evaluation for Shadow Guard selection. The "target" was a master disguised as Emperor Guang, bathing in the imperial pools. Candidates were tasked with infiltrating the heavily guarded bathhouse, marking the target with a harmless red dye that simuted deadly poison, and extracting without detection.

  Nine had been given the most difficult approach path deliberately — a challenge worthy of her abilities, Master Hawk had expined. The other five remaining candidates from her cohort were positioned at different entry points, competing to reach the target first.

  She remained motionless for precisely forty-seven seconds, timing the guards' scanning pattern. Then, in a fluid motion that resembled a shadow stretching rather than a person moving, she lowered herself to a narrow ledge just above the guards' heads. The slightest sound — a scrape of fabric against stone, the whisper of disturbed air — would alert them to her presence.

  But Nine made no sound. She had spent the past ten years learning to move like mist, to breathe without noise, to exist without being perceived.

  When the guards simultaneously turned to scan the opposite approach, Nine dropped silently behind them and slipped through the bathhouse entrance. Inside, steam provided both concealment and challenge — limiting visibility while also ensuring that any sudden dispcement of the vapors might betray her movement to alert eyes.

  The bathhouse was designed with concentric security rings. Nine had already penetrated the outer perimeter, but ahead y the royal guards stationed throughout the bathing chambers, the personal attendants vigint for any threat to their master, and finally, the imperial bodyguards who never left the Emperor's immediate vicinity.

  Or rather, the masters pying these roles for tonight's exercise.

  Nine moved through the first chamber like a curl of steam herself, using the natural flow of air to mask her movements. She detected another candidate — Ten — approaching from the eastern entrance, his technique nearly as refined as her own but betrayed by a slightly hurried rhythm to his movement. Ambition making him impatient, as always.

  She continued inward, bypassing two guards by timing her movements to coincide with the momentary blindness that came from stepping between areas of different steam density. A third guard was avoided by pressing herself into a decorative alcove, becoming so still that the guard's eyes passed over her without registration.

  In the antechamber to the main bathing pool, Nine encountered her first significant obstacle. Master Iron, disguised as the Captain of the Imperial Guard, stood directly in the approach path. Unlike the other guards who maintained scanning patterns, Master Iron remained perfectly still, his awareness extended outward in the specialized technique he had taught them for detecting presence without relying on sight or sound.

  Nine recognized that attempting to slip past him would be futile. Instead, she implemented an alternative approach. From her sleeve, she withdrew a small pouch containing a powder developed in Master Yi's boratory—crushed herbs that, when heated, produced a slightly disorienting effect without any obvious smell or visible vapor.

  With precise timing, she released a pinch of the powder near a heating stone, then retreated to the shadows. Moments ter, Master Iron blinked rapidly, his enhanced awareness technique momentarily disrupted by the subtle compound. In that brief window of vulnerability, Nine glided past him, a shadow among shadows.

  The main bathing chamber finally came into view—a steaming pool surrounded by carved dragon pilrs, illuminated by paper nterns that cast wavering light across the water's surface. In the center of the pool sat "Emperor Guang"—actually Master Lin, wearing an eborate dragon-embroidered bathing robe and the distinctive jade hairpiece that marked the imperial presence.

  Two bodyguards fnked him, while attendants stood ready with towels and oils. Nine assessed the scene, calcuting angles and approaches. The target's neck needed to be marked with the red dye to signify a successful "assassination."

  She noticed Five positioned on the opposite side of the chamber, also preparing for his approach. Their eyes met briefly through the steam—a rare moment of direct acknowledgment between candidates during a competition exercise. A subtle nod passed between them, years of partnership creating understanding without words.

  Five deliberately created a small disturbance—not enough to suggest an actual intrusion but sufficient to draw the attention of one bodyguard slightly away from the target. This fractional shift opened a line of approach for Nine, though it would still require perfect execution.

  Nine extracted a hollow reed from her sleeve—the "weapon" provided for this exercise, filled with the red dye that would mark a successful strike. Moving in perfect harmony with the shifting steam currents, she positioned herself behind a dragon pilr within striking distance of the "Emperor."

  Master Lin, pying his role perfectly, raised a hand to dismiss an attendant, turning his head slightly to issue the command. In that precise moment, Nine struck—a quick, controlled puff through the reed that sent a fine spray of red dye directly onto the vulnerable point where the Emperor's neck met his hairline.

  Before Master Lin could fully register the "attack," Nine had already begun her extraction, reversing her approach path with increased speed but no reduction in stealth. She passed Master Iron, still recovering from the herbal compound's effects, and slipped through the outer chambers like a departing thought.

  Within three minutes of marking the target, Nine had returned to her original position on the bathhouse roof, the exercise completed with perfect execution. Only when all candidates had either succeeded in their attempt or been "captured" by the guards would the exercise conclude.

  Nine waited, her breathing calm, her mind already analyzing her performance for potential improvements. She had achieved the objective efficiently, but the use of Five's distraction, while effective, introduced a dependency she would need to evaluate. In an actual assassination, relying on another's action introduced variables beyond her control.

  Eventually, a single clear bell tone signaled the exercise's conclusion. Nine descended from her position, joining the other candidates in the central courtyard where the masters awaited with their assessment.

  Master Hawk stood at the center, his hawkish features accentuated by the harsh ntern light. "Tonight's exercise has concluded. The target was successfully marked once."

  Nine maintained a neutral expression despite the implied praise—only one candidate had succeeded. She knew without confirmation that it had been her. Five stood nearby, his posture revealing nothing of his own performance.

  "Nine," Master Hawk continued, "your approach, execution, and extraction demonstrated exceptional skill. The use of the disorienting compound showed appropriate tool adaptation. Your final approach utilized environmental conditions effectively."

  He turned to the others. "Five, your diversionary tactic was well-executed but unnecessary. Ten, you were detected in the antechamber. Eight, your approach path was compromised by insufficient patience. One and Four, both captured by outer guards."

  This assessment confirmed what Nine had already suspected—she alone had completed the exercise successfully, though Five had performed well before being detected.

  Master Lin, now changed from his "Emperor" disguise into his usual austere robes, stepped forward. "This exercise concludes your preliminary evaluation for Shadow Guard selection. Final assessments will be conducted over the coming month, with selections announced following the Autumn Festival."

  He surveyed the six remaining candidates with penetrating intensity. "Ten years ago, twelve candidates began this journey. You six remain. Some of you will soon wear the bck robes of the Shadow Guard. Others will serve the empire through alternative paths."

  The implication was clear—not all of them would be selected. The Crown Prince, soon to become Emperor Guang's successor, would choose his Shadows from among them, but tradition did not require him to select all remaining candidates.

  As the masters dismissed them to their evening meal, Nine felt a rare moment of anticipation. After a decade of training, of shedding her former identity, of becoming the perfect instrument of imperial will, she stood on the threshold of achieving what had been promised that day in the forest when Commander Zhao had found a wild child and seen in her the potential for something extraordinary.

  In one month, she might finally earn the title she had trained for—Shadow Nine.

  The imperial pace hummed with preparations for the Autumn Festival. Servants hurried through corridors carrying eborate decorations, kitchen staff prepared traditional delicacies that would be offered to ancestors, and guards maintained heightened vigince as nobles from across the empire arrived for the celebrations.

  For the Shadow Guard candidates, however, the festival preparations merely formed the backdrop for their final assessments. Each day brought new tests—written examinations on court politics and noble lineages, practical demonstrations of combat and stealth techniques, and psychological evaluations designed to confirm their absolute loyalty to the Dragon Throne.

  Nine approached each assessment with the same methodical precision she applied to everything. Her written responses demonstrated comprehensive understanding of imperial politics. Her combat demonstrations earned rare nods of approval from Master Iron. Her loyalty evaluations revealed unwavering commitment to the empire's protection.

  Two days before the festival's commencement, Lady Fei summoned Nine to her private chambers. Such individual meetings were unusual during the final assessment period, raising questions in Nine's mind about its purpose.

  She knelt before Lady Fei, maintaining perfect formal posture as the elegant woman studied her with penetrating intensity.

  "Nine," Lady Fei began, her voice as melodious and controlled as always. "Your assessment results have been exceptional, as expected. The masters are in agreement regarding your readiness for the Shadow Guard."

  Nine bowed slightly, acknowledging the praise without dispying inappropriate pride. "Thank you, Lady Fei. I live to serve the Dragon Throne."

  "Indeed." Lady Fei rose, moving to a cquered cabinet simir to the one from which she had produced the bronze tokens years earlier. This time, she withdrew a simple bck robe, folded with perfect precision. "Tomorrow evening, the Crown Prince will conduct the traditional private audience with candidates deemed worthy of selection. This robe is worn for that audience only."

  Nine's heart rate increased slightly—the only outward sign of the significance this moment held for her. The bck robe represented imminent selection, the culmination of her decade-long transformation from orphaned vilge girl to imperial Shadow.

  "The Crown Prince has taken particur interest in your development over the years," Lady Fei continued, handing the folded robe to Nine. "His Imperial Highness rarely involves himself so directly in candidate assessment, but he has reviewed your progress reports personally."

  Nine accepted the robe with appropriate reverence. "I am honored by His Imperial Highness's attention."

  Lady Fei's expression remained unreadable, though something flickered briefly in her eyes—concern, perhaps, or calcution. "The audience will be conducted in the Pavilion of Celestial Harmony at the second evening bell. You will attend alone, as is tradition."

  "I understand," Nine replied, carefully folding the robe into a package she could carry discreetly back to her quarters.

  "One final matter," Lady Fei added as Nine prepared to depart. "Emperor Guang's health has been... variable in recent months. The Crown Prince's selection of his Shadow Guard may occur sooner than originally anticipated. Be prepared for rapid transition following the audience."

  This information carried significant implications. Emperor Guang was in his seventy-third year, and whispers of his declining health had circuted through the pace for some time. But Lady Fei's statement suggested the succession might be imminent rather than merely approaching.

  Nine bowed again, deeper this time. "I am prepared to serve whenever called upon."

  As she left Lady Fei's chambers, Nine reflected on the decade that had brought her to this moment. The memories of Lihua vilge and her parents had faded to distant impressions, repced by years of training, discipline, and purpose. She had become exactly what the Shadow Guard required—observant, lethal, loyal, and emotionally disciplined.

  Upon returning to the candidates' quarters, Nine found Five waiting in the small meditation garden. His expression told her immediately that he too had received a bck robe and audience summons.

  "Tomorrow evening," he stated simply.

  Nine nodded. "The Pavilion of Celestial Harmony."

  They sat in companionable silence for several minutes, each contempting the significance of what y ahead. After a decade of training together, competing yet cooperating, they had both reached the final threshold.

  "Eight received a summons as well," Five eventually noted. "Ten did not."

  This information confirmed Nine's own assessment of her fellow candidates' capabilities. Eight had always demonstrated exceptional adaptability and intelligence, making her a natural selection. Ten, despite his combat prowess, had shown inconsistent judgment and occasional impulsivity—dangerous traits in a Shadow.

  "And One and Four?" Nine inquired.

  "Unknown," Five replied. "Though One seems confident."

  One had been the first selected for their cohort and had maintained strong performance throughout training, though his skills leaned more toward physical combat than the subtler arts of infiltration and observation. Four was perhaps the most analytical of the candidates, his strategic thinking impressive if somewhat rigid.

  "Lady Fei mentioned Emperor Guang's health," Nine observed quietly. "She implied succession might be imminent."

  Five nodded thoughtfully. "Court physicians have been summoned three times in the past month. The Autumn Festival welcome ceremony has been modified to reduce the Emperor's public appearances."

  As always, Five's awareness of pace dynamics complemented Nine's own observations. Together, they had developed a comprehensive understanding of the imperial court's rhythms and undercurrents.

  "We should prepare for the audience," Five suggested after another period of reflective silence. "The Crown Prince will expect perfection."

  Nine agreed, rising gracefully from her seated position. "Until tomorrow, then."

  That night, Nine performed her usual evening meditation with heightened focus, reviewing not just the day's training but the entire journey that had brought her here. From the fmes of Lihua vilge to the wilderness years, from Commander Zhao's discovery to her first days as a candidate, from learning to read people and kill efficiently to her first field elimination—each experience had shaped her into the weapon she had become.

  Tomorrow, she would meet the man she would serve in the shadows for the rest of her life. The Crown Prince would soon become Emperor, and if he selected her, she would finally earn the title she had trained for a decade to achieve—Shadow Nine.

  With that thought, she allowed herself a rare moment of anticipation before clearing her mind completely for sleep.

  The Pavilion of Celestial Harmony stood on an artificial isnd in the center of the imperial ke, accessible only by a single ornate bridge guarded at both ends. Its isotion made it ideal for confidential meetings, as approaching individuals could be easily observed from a distance.

  Nine approached the pavilion at precisely the appointed time, wearing the bck robe that symbolized her candidate status. The garment was simple but exquisitely crafted from the finest silk, falling in perfect lines from her shoulders to just above her feet. Her candidate medallion remained her only adornment, though it would soon be repced with the obsidian pendant of a full Shadow if the Crown Prince selected her.

  Imperial guards verified her identity at the bridge checkpoint, then allowed her to proceed alone. As she crossed the bridge, Nine noticed the evening mist beginning to form across the ke's surface, creating an ethereal boundary between the pavilion and the rest of the pace grounds.

  At the pavilion entrance, Lady Fei awaited, her midnight blue robes making her appear almost as a piece of the gathering darkness.

  "The Crown Prince conducts individual audiences," she informed Nine. "You will be the third candidate to be received. Wait here until summoned."

  Nine bowed acknowledgment, then assumed a formal waiting posture near the pavilion entrance. In the distance, she could see the nterns of the pace complex reflected in the ke's surface, while ceremonial drums occasionally sounded as festival preparations continued.

  After approximately twenty minutes, the pavilion doors opened, and Eight emerged. Her expression revealed nothing of what had transpired within, though Nine detected a subtle change in her posture—a barely perceptible straightening of her shoulders that suggested positive outcome.

  Eight acknowledged Nine with the barest nod as she passed, heading back across the bridge with measured steps.

  Shortly thereafter, Lady Fei reappeared. "The Crown Prince will see you now."

  Nine followed her into the pavilion, immediately noting its elegant simplicity. Unlike the opulent halls of the main pace, the Pavilion of Celestial Harmony emphasized refined minimalism—bamboo screens, simple cushions on a raised ptform, and a view of the ke through open panels that could be closed for privacy.

  The Crown Prince sat on the central cushion, dressed not in formal court robes but in simpler attire that nonetheless conveyed imperial authority through perfect tailoring and subtle dragon motifs. At thirty-six years of age, he presented a striking figure—keen intelligence evident in his eyes, the composed dignity of royal breeding in his posture.

  Nine approached to the appropriate distance, then performed the formal prostration required before the imperial presence—forehead touching the floor three times in perfect rhythm.

  "Rise," the Crown Prince commanded, his voice cultured and measured.

  Nine rose to a kneeling position, eyes properly lowered though her peripheral awareness remained fully engaged, cataloging every detail of her surroundings.

  "Nine," the Crown Prince began, studying her with evident interest. "I have followed your progress since Commander Zhao first discovered you in the western forests. Ten years of exceptional development, culminating in tonight's assessment."

  "I am honored by Your Imperial Highness's attention," Nine responded, her voice moduted to the perfect tone of respectful deference.

  The Crown Prince smiled slightly. "My father's health declines more rapidly than the court physicians publicly acknowledge. Within months, perhaps weeks, I will ascend the Dragon Throne. When that day comes, I must have Shadows I can trust absolutely."

  He rose from his cushion, moving to a small table where a porcein tea set awaited. With surprising informality, he began preparing tea himself rather than summoning a servant.

  "The Shadow Guard tradition dictates that each Emperor selects those who will serve in the shadows throughout his reign," he continued as he measured tea leaves precisely. "My father selected those who suited his temperament and governing philosophy. I must do the same."

  The Crown Prince poured the steaming tea into two cups, offering one to Nine in a gesture that symbolized both test and honor. Accepting the cup, Nine noted that he had prepared the tea himself—a significant departure from protocol that revealed something about his character.

  "Tell me," he said, returning to his cushion with his own cup, "why should I select you as Shadow Nine?"

  Nine considered her response carefully. This was not a question about her skills or accomplishments, which were well-documented in her assessment reports. Rather, it sought her understanding of her own potential service.

  "Your Imperial Highness requires Shadows who understand that protection of the Dragon Throne extends beyond physical security to the stability of the dynasty itself," she replied. "My training has prepared me to observe what others miss, to act when action is required, and to remain invisible when invisibility best serves imperial interests."

  The Crown Prince sipped his tea, his expression thoughtful. "A diplomatic answer. But I seek something more specific to you, Nine. What unique perspective would Shadow Nine bring that the others might not?"

  This question probed deeper, asking not about her training but her essence. Nine paused, allowing herself a rare moment of introspection.

  "I have experienced both absolute loss and absolute purpose," she finally answered. "Having lost everything as a child, I understand the true value of what we protect. Having found purpose in service, I recognize that individual concerns must yield to greater stability. This bance of understanding gives me perspective on when mercy serves the throne better than elimination, when observation reveals more than interrogation."

  The Crown Prince's expression remained neutral, though something in his eyes suggested approval. "And your former life? The girl from Lihua vilge? Does she still exist within Nine?"

  "No, Your Imperial Highness," Nine replied without hesitation. "She provided the foundation—survival instincts, observational skills developed in the wilderness—but that identity was surrendered in service to the throne. I am Nine, shaped by Shadow Guard training to serve imperial purpose."

  "Interesting." The Crown Prince set down his teacup. "Most candidates insist no trace of their former selves remains. Yet the most effective Shadows I have observed maintain a core of their original perspective while subjugating it to duty. Complete erasure creates tools. Transformation creates instruments with unique resonance."

  Nine absorbed this philosophy, recognizing its subtle divergence from traditional Shadow Guard doctrine. The current Emperor valued complete subjugation of individual identity; his son apparently saw value in the unique perspectives born from candidates' origins.

  "You have demonstrated exceptional abilities in observation, infiltration, and when necessary, elimination," the Crown Prince continued. "Your instructors report that you see what others miss, move without being perceived, and act with precision when action is required. These are the qualities I seek in those who will be my eyes, ears, and hands in the shadows."

  He stood, signaling the audience's conclusion. "Return to your quarters. The formal selection ceremony will occur three days after the Autumn Festival concludes."

  Nine performed the appropriate prostration once more, then rose to depart. As she reached the pavilion door, the Crown Prince spoke again.

  "Nine."

  She turned, bowing slightly.

  "My reign will differ from my father's in significant ways," he said, his voice carrying subtle weight. "The Shadows I select must adapt to these changes while maintaining their core purpose. Consider what that might mean."

  "Yes, Your Imperial Highness," Nine responded, filing this statement away for careful consideration.

  As she crossed the bridge back to the pace grounds, Nine reflected on the audience. The Crown Prince had revealed himself to be more contemptive than his public persona suggested, more interested in nuance than absolute doctrine. His approach to the Shadow Guard apparently emphasized adaptability alongside traditional values of loyalty and skill.

  Five awaited her return at the candidates' quarters, his own audience evidently completed earlier. "Well?" he inquired simply.

  "Positive, I believe," Nine replied. "The Crown Prince seems to value personalized perspective alongside traditional skills."

  Five nodded thoughtfully. "He questioned conventional doctrine during my audience as well. Interesting approach for a future Emperor."

  They walked together through the small garden, discussing their impressions of the Crown Prince while being careful not to reveal specific details of their individual audiences. Such discretion was ingrained after a decade of training—even with trusted partners, certain boundaries remained invioble.

  The following morning brought news that Emperor Guang would make only a brief appearance at the Autumn Festival opening ceremony, citing the need to conserve his strength for ancestral rituals. This public acknowledgment of his weakening condition fueled specution throughout the pace about imminent succession.

  Nine and the other candidates maintained their regur training schedule despite the festival activities, though they were now excused from formal assessments. The period between audience and selection traditionally allowed candidates time for personal preparation and reflection.

  Two days into the festival, as Nine completed her morning combat exercises with Master Iron, a pace messenger arrived with unusual urgency.

  "Lady Fei requires all candidates' immediate presence in the strategy room," the messenger announced, already moving to deliver the same summons to other training areas.

  Nine exchanged a brief gnce with Master Iron, whose expression had shifted from instructional detachment to alert focus. Something significant had occurred.

  Within minutes, all six remaining candidates had assembled in the strategy room, where they found Lady Fei engaged in intense discussion with Master Hawk and Master Lin. The three fell silent as the candidates entered, turning to face them with expressions that immediately communicated the gravity of the situation.

  "An incident has occurred involving Emperor Guang," Lady Fei announced without preamble. "During his morning tea ceremony, the Emperor colpsed. Pace physicians were summoned immediately, but..." She paused, something almost like emotion flickering across her typically composed features. "The Son of Heaven has joined his ancestors."

  Nine maintained perfect stillness, absorbing this information and its implications. Emperor Guang's death, while not unexpected given his age and health, had apparently come suddenly. The timing—during the Autumn Festival and so soon after candidate audiences—raised immediate questions.

  "The official announcement will state that the Emperor died peacefully of natural causes reted to his advanced age," Master Lin continued. "However, preliminary examination suggests otherwise."

  Lady Fei's expression hardened. "The Emperor's tea contained traces of white jade powder—undetectable unless specifically sought. This was no natural passing, but assassination."

  Nine felt a cold focus descend upon her mind—the specialized alertness that training had instilled for crisis situations. Around her, the other candidates exhibited simir responses, shifting subtly into heightened readiness.

  "The Crown Prince has already initiated emergency protocols," Master Hawk expined. "The pace is sealed. All food preparation has been suspended. Guards have been doubled at all entrances."

  "And the Shadow Guard?" Five inquired, his voice perfectly controlled despite the shocking news.

  "Currently pursuing multiple investigative paths," Lady Fei replied. "The timing suggests careful pnning. Few individuals have access to the Emperor's personal tea ceremony. Fewer still would have knowledge of white jade powder and its properties."

  Master Lin stepped forward. "While the existing Shadow Guard conducts its investigation, we face an unprecedented situation. The Crown Prince must ascend immediately to maintain imperial stability, yet tradition dictates that he select his own Shadows before taking the throne."

  "Therefore," Lady Fei continued, "His Imperial Highness has made an extraordinary decision. Based on your audience assessments and previous evaluations, he has authorized preliminary Shadow designation for four candidates, effective immediately."

  Nine maintained her neutral expression, though internally she registered the significance of this announcement. Rather than waiting for the formal selection ceremony, the Crown Prince was activating candidates directly in response to crisis.

  "Eight, Nine, Five, and One," Lady Fei announced, her gaze moving across the named candidates. "You are hereby granted provisional Shadow status, with full authorities and responsibilities effective immediately. This provisional status will be formalized upon the Crown Prince's ascension ceremony."

  She moved to a cabinet at the rear of the strategy room, retrieving four identical boxes crafted from polished bck wood. "These contain your Shadow pendants and assignment scrolls. You will proceed immediately to the Pavilion of Divine Justice where the Crown Prince awaits his new Shadows."

  As Nine accepted her box, she noted the significance of this moment—her transformation from candidate to Shadow, accelerated by crisis. Opening the box, she found a pendant carved from pure obsidian, embzoned with the imperial dragon and the numeral nine. Below it y a scroll sealed with the Crown Prince's personal stamp.

  "Four and Ten," Master Lin addressed the remaining candidates, "you will be assigned to alternate imperial service paths. Four, your analytical skills will be utilized in the Ministry of Imperial Intelligence as a senior advisor. Ten, your combat abilities will serve the throne in the Emperor's Elite Guard."

  Master Lin's tone softened slightly. "The Shadow Guard's existence remains a state secret. As with all unselected candidates, you will undergo memory modification rituals to obscure specific Shadow training while preserving your valuable skills. You will remember being trained for your new roles, not as Shadow candidates."

  This was no surprise to any of them. From their first day of training, all candidates had understood that those not selected would have their memories altered before being pced in positions that would still serve the empire without revealing the Shadow Guard's existence. The procedure was sophisticated—developed over generations by imperial physicians and mind-alchemists—preserving combat abilities and loyalty while repcing specific memories of Shadow techniques and protocols.

  Four bowed deeply, his expression stoic. "I am honored to serve the Dragon Throne in any capacity."

  Ten managed to maintain proper composure despite the visible disappointment in his eyes. Both understood that while their paths were diverging from what they had trained for, their new positions still represented significant honor and imperial trust.

  Nine removed her candidate medallion, repcing it with the obsidian Shadow pendant. Around her, Five, Eight, and One did the same—a synchronized moment marking their collective transition from trainees to active imperial agents.

  "The assassination of an Emperor is the most serious threat to imperial stability," Lady Fei told them, her voice taking on new gravity. "Your first duty as Shadows will be to assist in identifying and eliminating those responsible. The Crown Prince awaits your counsel and service."

  As they departed for the Pavilion of Divine Justice, Nine reflected on the dramatic shift in circumstances. That morning, she had been a candidate completing routine exercises. Now, she was Shadow Nine—provisionally, but with full authority—responding to imperial assassination.

  The girl who had fled burning Lihua vilge could never have imagined this moment. But that girl was long gone, repced by the precisely honed instrument of imperial will who now wore the obsidian pendant and moved with deadly purpose toward her first assignment as Shadow Nine.

  The Dragon had fallen. His successor now rose, with new Shadows forming around him.