My Name

In the decaying alleys of Ragnar, a child came into the world. However, his birth was marked by the emblem of tragedy - his mother, affected by fear, took her own life after giving birth. The boy's father was already dead, and he had no relatives to look after him. 

Years later, the boy quickly adapted to the grueling conditions of the alleys. He raised himself in the sewers, living among rats and filth. The stench clung to everything, yet to him, it became normal—unbearable for anyone else, but home to him. The boy was proud of himself for living in such harsh conditions, but that pride quickly turned into disappointment. 

One day after rummaging through garbage for food, a figure stepped out from the shadows and suddenly approached the boy. Cloaked in ragged black garments, he wore a black hat that covered his face. In a rasping voice, he asked the boy, "What are you doing?"

The boy hesitated, taking a glimpse at the figure before answering, "Looking for some food."

The figure, looking at the boy as if he were some sort of freak, muttered "He's perfect". Then looking at him in the eye, the figure asked, "What's your name boy?"

The boy, hesitating once more, answers, "I.... I don't have a name".

The figure grinned hideously, "Do you have a home boy? If not, then listen closely to my offer".

The boy took a step back, eyes narrowing as he looked at the figure. "What's the offer, sir?" he asked uneasily. 

"I will give you everything you need: a home, food, water—everything. But you will have to study under my teachings," the figure replied.

Curious, the boy asked, "What teachings"?

"The art of execution," responded the figure.

"What is... execution?" the boy asked.

"Don't worry about it brat. Just know that your life will be better than before. For now, I must give you a name."

Excited and curious, the boy thought, "A name... how wonderful!"

"What will be my name, sir?" the boy asked suddenly.

"William. William Mortis. That name will do for now," the figure replied.

The figure turned, walking towards the shadows. The boy stood still, the name "William Mortis" was the only thing on his mind. The boy didn't know why, but he felt uneasy, like the calm before a storm. Something inside him whispered that his life was no longer his own. 

The figure paused, halting his steps, glanced back over his shoulder, "Come William. Your training starts now."