Swordsmoke: The Return

An Underworld Original

Opening on a small island base off the coast of Hermes Island, eight months after his setback against Ghost, Jack Grayson meets with Eugene Shepard inside a guarded command hall. Jack’s face still bears the burn-scar from Marc’s shotgun blast. Their Dark Agency has grown into a full military force. With Oscar Minerva dead and Mercenary gone, the United Islands now prepares to elect its first President. Shepard is officially nominated. Jack isn’t—his past ties to Ghost would destroy the campaign—while the Dark Agency remains classified. On Ares Island, Ghost has also grown. Marc runs a hardened militant network. Ellie has left. Strider and James Rain distrust each other, though Marc still believes in James. Most think war is over—Marc doesn’t. Norman uncovers Shepard’s candidacy. Marc and Strider fly to confront Jack and Shepard at the island base. Marc warns them Ghost is sparing them. Jack laughs, claiming Dark Agency now holds the advantage. When Strider steps forward, Shepard strikes him and guards force them out. Back at the jet, Marc decides: he’s running for President. Days later on Ares, strange outposts appear. During a supply run, Norman and James hit a crowded checkpoint—an execution site marked with Hunter banners. A tall man in a black suit emerges: Daryl Manson, Head Hunter. Funded and government-backed, the Hunters are reborn. He takes Norman’s bat, thanks him, and executes a prisoner. Daryl turns his back and on his jacket is the letter "M".

Story added by underworld_stories on February 10, 2026