The villain's side of the novel

100,000 years ago, in the desolate realm of the human continent, a team known as The Shield emerged. Comprising the six most formidable individuals across the land, they wielded immense power, dedicated to aiding humanity's triumph in the war. Alas, their efforts crumbled, leading them to sacrifice their very lives, sealing off the human continent from the outside world.

Before their demise, they transformed their extraordinary abilities into weapons, bequeathing them to their respective kin alongside a prophecy: "The barrier shall shatter precisely a hundred thousand years hence. Until that time, you must grow stronger."

Thus, the six ancient families were born, and among them, the Parada family stood tall.

The Parada Family Council comprised five influential members, including Fray. Regarded as the family's most potent figures, all crucial decisions necessitated the Council's approval.

"Morcal, is the list prepared?" inquired Fray, his gaze fixed upon the white crow perched upon his shoulder.

"Yes, it is ready," curtly replied the white crow.

"Good, let us proceed," stated Fray.

Once suitably attired, Fray made his way toward the meeting chamber. Upon arrival, he discovered Montaser awaiting him by the entrance.

"Have all assembled?" inquired Fray.

"Yes, sir, they await your presence within," Montaser responded.

"Then let us enter," Fray declared, and together they ventured into the room.

Fray strode into the midst of the Council members with unwavering steps, his usual cold countenance firmly in place. Montaser followed dutifully, standing at respectful attention behind him.

"Morcal," Fray addressed, devoid of any welcoming gestures.

Suddenly, the white crow perched on his shoulder opened its eyes, emanating a faint, ethereal glow.

In that instant, the expressions of those present twisted with unease as a translucent window materialized before each of them.

"What you behold is a catalogue of the violated terms within the loyalty contract," Fray intoned in an icy voice.

In truth, each individual gathered in the hall today, including Fray himself, had transgressed at least one stipulation within the loyalty contract. The Prada family had languished in disarray for years, and loyalty to the extent demanded by the contract had dwindled among its members.

The entirety of the Parada Family Council harbored reservations regarding Fray's position as the family's head. Were it not for Montaser's unwavering support, Fray would have been ousted long ago. Thus, Fray resolved to employ the loyalty contract as a means to exert pressure on them before the commencement of the meeting.

"Is this a veiled threat?" bellowed a middle-aged man, his visage contorted with anger as he locked eyes with Fray.

Idar Parada, a brother of one of Fray's stepmothers, had been welcomed into the Parada family due to his strength and shrewdness in commerce, ascending to the role of president of the Parada Trade Hall.

"It is not a threat," Fray calmly responded. "For now, we shall overlook this list, yet I hope the message has been duly received."

Idar pondered solemnly, (the fact that Fray compiled this list in such haste implies that the Guardian of the necklace watches our every move. Is this the message he seeks to convey? But how did the Guardian manage to acquire such knowledge? Could it be... our souls bound by the contract?)

A corpulent middle-aged man contemplated in silence, his countenance placid.

"Fray, this contract poses an immense danger. It would be wise to cease its employment," interjected a striking young woman, her countenance as frigid as Fray.

Elisa Parada, Fray's elder sister, and the sole survivor, aside from Fray himself, among the contenders for the family head position, presently served as the commander of the Parada family knights. She hailed from the Seventh Kingdom, a seasoned warrior, and the second most formidable member of the family after Montaser.

"Apologies, but I cannot comply. I possess my reasons for activating it," Fray replied.

"Very well, I understand," Elisa replied without further ado.

Elisa stood among the select few who neither opposed nor supported Fray. While she did not lend him the same unwavering allegiance as Montaser, she refrained from challenging his authority.

"Summoning us here solely to present this list was not your sole intention, was it?" an aged man inquired abruptly. Anas Parada, a warrior from the Sixth Kingdom and treasurer of the city of Iskar.

"Indeed, it was not. However, be aware that anything disclosed within this meeting shall remain strictly confidential. Any breach shall be met with penalties dictated by the loyalty contract," Fray declared with an air of severity.