Swordsmoke: Reckoning

An Underworld Original

Marc sits quietly, Bo’s old hunting rifle propped against his knee, the weight of his best friend's death heavy in his chest. Outside, Ren, Shepard, Sgt. Rain, and Jack pack their gear—the Dark Agency is relocating to Hermes Island, just off the coast of Bank City. Its a new stronghold. A new beginning, but not if Marc can stop it. Gathering Norman, Strider, and the freed arena fighters. “They’re moving. We’re going too. We might not come back, but we have to fight.” They reach the docks. Before boarding, Marc tries to call Ellie—she and her team went ahead to scout Hermes— he gets no response. Landing on the island, Marc tries again. Still nothing. Inside a dark hall, Ren and Shepard greet Jack, Rain, and a masked soldier: Eli. “Rain, Eli—scout the island. Keep eyes on Ghost,” Ren orders. “Jack, we have a special job for you.” While Rain checks a Ghost supply run, Eli infiltrates Ghost's camp, knocking out the guards. Norman and Strider stand ready—but Marc stops them. “Why are you here?” “I work for Ren,” Eli says, removing the helmet—revealing Ellie. “But I’m still yours... in part.” Ren had taken her team prisoner. She’d joined him to survive—and spy. But she still blames Marc for Sasha. Marc pleads. She refuses and Strider walks her out. “I’m glad you’re safe,” he whispers. “Don’t flatter me.” Back with Rain, Ellie whispers, “Marc will be easy to kill.” Later, Marc gives Norman his weapons back—war demands risk. "Strider, you’re my right hand.” The war has begun.

Story added by underworld_stories on July 22, 2025