"Gunblade - The Rebellion of Cain" is a thrilling tale set in a world where a clandestine organization, the Triumvirate, wields power through its elite shinobi operatives known as 'Swords'. The story follows Cain, a Sword whose life is a dichotomy between his duty and his personal existence.
The narrative begins with a tense and ritualistic scene in a rundown pawn shop, where Esai, a seasoned and meditative figure, prepares to arm Cain and two other Swords for their mission. The task set before them is to quell a rogue faction within the Triumvirate. However, the operation takes an unexpected turn when Cain discovers his wife and sister-in-law, unaware of his true identity, at the target location.
Caught in a brutal clash, Cain's worlds collide, forcing him to confront the stark reality of his life as an assassin and the love he holds for his wife. This internal conflict escalates as he finds himself torn between completing his mission and protecting his loved ones. In a dramatic turn of events, Cain rebels against the Triumvirate, leading to a climactic battle where he must face his fellow Swords in a life-and-death struggle.
The story is a gripping exploration of identity, duty, and love, set against the backdrop of a shadowy world where loyalty is paramount, and betrayal has deadly consequences. Cain's journey is one of self-discovery, as he battles both external enemies and his inner turmoil, questioning the very foundations of his existence as a Sword.
Growing up in their sister's shadow wasn't easy; surviving after she left has been harder. In the nine years since their Kingdom was destroyed by the cruel Falcondar family, Kiridan has had two objectives: to stay hidden from the Falcondars, and to figure out why their sister never came back for them. They discover that she started an underground organization to overthrow the Falcondars...and then died three years ago while on a mission in the mountains.
Determined to make something of their sister's efforts - and to be recognized as more than the less-talented sibling - Kiridan decides to break into the organization known as the Infernal Uprising, taking their rightful place among its leadership. But as the attack on the Falcondars draws nearer, they'll have to learn that leadership is more than barking orders, and that trust is difficult to earn.
When the chaos spirals further than anyone expected, and new powers come into play from every direction, a lot of people may have to reevaluate what they stand for...whether they're an Infernal Uprising soldier, a traitor, or a Falcondar Princess herself.
Sure, through the eyes of those in power, the world has always been in conflict. But for the next generation waiting to take over, the conflict is just beginning. And for the rest of the unsuspecting universe, it hasn't even begun.
Which came first, the catastrophe or the change? And what's the difference in the first place?
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ONGOING. Current word count: ~13,000
Genre(s): action / sci-fantasy
*LGBTQ+*
Cover: made by me