The duel between and Arden had ended, and the tense rivalry between the students of Braveheart Knight Academy and Solara Magic Academy seed to ease, at least for the mont. The sharp gazes from the magic students softened, but it was clear the tension wasn’t gone entirely—it had rely shifted into a more subdued rivalry.
With classes resuming today, there wasn’t much ti to dwell on the duel. However, Alia approached with a serious look. "I felt Dark Magic outside the arena," she said, her voice low enough that only I could hear. "It felt like it belonged to the Shadows."
My heart sank. If her intuition was correct, it confird my suspicion: Arsene had intentionally sent us here to uncover the culprits behind the Shadows’ movents and the recent spate of student abductions.
"I think the Shadows are targeting not only Braveheart Knight Academy students but also those from Solara Magic Academy," I replied. Alia nodded grimly. We agreed to conduct night patrols again, hoping to catch the Shadows in the act.
...
After class ended, we still had ti before the evening patrol. I suggested to my team that we explore the Solara Magic Academy grounds. Lyra, Freya, Alia, and Marius seed eager, while Luna looked indifferent, and Kael sighed in exasperation. Nevertheless, I insisted. There was information to be gleaned, and the more we knew about Solara, the better prepared we’d be.
Sanders and Windy, who had grown quite attached to us, decided to tag along.
"We want to learn more about grimoires," I said, broaching the subject that had piqued my curiosity. Sanders and Windy suggested the academy library, so we headed there together.
The Solara Magic Academy’s library was massive, bustling with activity even late into the evening. Students and professors alike were engrossed in their studies. It was a far cry from the more casual atmosphere back at Braveheart.
In the library, I spotted Milly and Aisha.
"Not like you to spend so much ti in a library, Milly," I teased. "Did you suddenly develop an interest in magic? I thought you were all about swordsmanship."
Milly shot a glare, clearly annoyed. "Ugh, you’re so annoying! I’m only here to help Aisha. She wants to study more about nature magic."
"I-it’s true, Naoki-senpai," Aisha stamred, looking surprisingly shy. She wasn’t usually this timid. Was this the sa energetic elf I knew?
Before I could respond, Windy chid in enthusiastically, "Oh, I know just the book! Co on, I’ll show you!" She eagerly led Milly and Aisha away to a section filled with tos on elental magic.
Now focused on grimoires, Sanders pointed us toward several texts about their history and developnt. We took notes on their origins, construction, and types.
From our research, we learned that grimoires are ancient manuscripts written in the language of magic—possibly the language of the gods. While the thod of their creation remains a mystery, they are categorized by elental alignnt. Red grimoires signify fire, blue signify water or ice, and so on. However, there are no known grimoires aligned with Dark Magic—no black grimoires exist.
This revelation dampened my enthusiasm. I had hoped to gain new power by obtaining a grimoire, but it seed unlikely now. Still, the ntion of Unknown Grimoires, which defied categorization, reignited my curiosity.
...
After a long evening at the library, we parted ways with Sanders and Windy, thanking them for their help. As we prepared to return to our quarters, Alia gave a subtle signal. Catching her drift, I told Marius and Kael to go on ahead without .
Now alone, Alia and I donned cloaks to avoid standing out in our academy uniforms. We wandered the Solara grounds, staying vigilant.
"Why are you keeping your distance, Naoki?" Alia asked, breaking the silence. "Yesterday, you held in your arms and kissed , but now you’re acting cold."
"Th-that’s not it! I’m just focused on keeping watch, that’s all," I stamred, trying to deflect. I couldn’t tell her the truth—that it wasn’t who kissed her, but a mischievous system nad Envi.
"Good," she said, her voice softening. "I was worried you hated . You used to be so close to , Naoki. You’d always tease and cling to back then..." She trailed off, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Was this true? Had the old Naoki been so affectionate with her? If so, it explained her feelings.
"I don’t hate you, Alia," I said with a reassuring smile. It was the least I could do for soone who seed to care so deeply for Naoki.
Her face lit up, and she took my hand. "Naoki, you’re so kind to your female friends. At first, I was jealous, but now... I don’t mind. As long as I’m your number one, I’ll accept the others." Her words sent a chill down my spine, her smile both sweet and dangerous.
"N-no way! I’m not like that!" I protested, my face heating up.
"Sure you’re not," she teased, laughing at my reaction.
Inwardly, I was panicking. Was it true? Was I unconsciously drawn to Lyra, Freya, Alia, and Serena? Had Envi’s influence turned into so kind of harem protagonist?
"Envi, you perverted system! What have you done to ?!"
"Don’t bla , Nao," Envi retorted smugly. "That’s all you. Maybe you’re naturally a flirt!"
I chose to ignore him.
...
As Alia and I walked, a piercing scream shattered the night’s stillness. Without hesitation, we rushed toward the sound.
We found a young girl surrounded by Shadows. Her terrified eyes locked onto us as we approached.
"Alia, cast your divine magic!" I shouted, summoning a blade of dark mana in my hand. My katana, broken in the duel with Arden, left with no choice but to rely on this improvised weapon.
Charging forward, I slashed with through the Shadows, clearing a path for the girl. "Run!" I yelled. She nodded and fled as fast as her legs could carry her.
The Shadows turned their focus to , swarming in numbers over ten. Alia’s spell reached completion just in ti.
"[Divine Magic: Area Purification]!"
A wave of purifying energy swept through the area, dispelling most of the Shadows. However, a magic circle appeared, summoning reinforcents. This ti, they targeted Alia.
Reacting instinctively, I scooped her up in a princess carry and shielded her from the advancing Shadows. Their numbers were overwhelming. Just as I prepared to activate [Abyssal Wrath Mode], a brilliant arc of lightning struck the Shadows.
"[High Thunder Magic: Voltage Burst]!"
The Shadows writhed and collapsed, defeated by the electrifying attack. Turning toward the source, I saw Sander approaching, his wand still crackling with residual energy.
"Naoki! Alia! Are you two alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
"We’re fine, thanks to you," I replied.
"What were those things? And what are you two doing out here?" he demanded, his tone a mix of confusion and urgency.
"I’ll explain later," I said. "For now, let’s finish this!"
Working together, the three of us eradicated the remaining Shadows.
After the battle, I explained the Shadows’ connection to the recent abductions, with Alia’s permission. Sander was shocked but offered his support during our stay in the Solara Kingdom.
As the night patrol continued, Sander suddenly paused, his sharp gaze falling on . Then, he chuckled, an amused smile spreading across his face.
"Naoki, you wield Dark Magic, and Alia uses Divine Magic. Isn’t that interesting?" he said. "You two are like opposites. A pair destined to clash but sohow standing side by side."
Before I could respond, Alia stepped forward, a sly smile gracing her lips. She slipped her hand into mine, lacing her fingers with mine as if to solidify her point.
"That’s not true at all," she said sweetly, though there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Even if our magic elents are opposites, our personalities complent each other perfectly. We’re a perfect pair, aren’t we, Naoki?"
I felt my face flush at her sudden declaration. "I-I... that’s not true! We’re not a couple!" I stamred, trying to pull my hand away, but her grip only tightened.
"Not yet," Alia said with a soft laugh, leaning closer. "But soday."
She laughed again, this ti more playfully, and continued to cling to my arm like it was the most natural thing in the world.
anwhile, Envi’s voice chid in my head, filled with unrestrained amusent.
"Well, well, look at you, buddy. I guess I don’t even need to interfere this ti HAHAHA!"
"Shut up, Envi!" I shot back in my mind, feeling utterly defeated.
With Alia refusing to let go and Sander’s teasing grin watching over us, I had no choice but to endure the situation. At this rate, I was starting to feel like the true battle wasn’t against the Shadows or even the demons—but against the won in my life and my ever-frustrating system companion.
As we patrolled together, Sander shared a chilling rumor. "I’ve heard about people disappearing in Solara, too. It started last year. None of them were ever found."
The timing struck . Last year was when Naoki failed the Blackmore’s quest, leading to his grave injuries and eventual death. Could there be a connection between these disappearances, the Shadows, and the traitor among the Heroes?
The pieces were beginning to form a disturbing picture. Was the traitor collaborating with the demons? If so, how deeply were they involved in this web of deceit?
I clenched my fists. Whatever the truth was, I’d find it—and put an end to it.
I will not forgive whoever is behind all this!
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