nownovels Chapter 58: Solara’s Dark Side
Chapter 58: Solara’s Dark Side
Chapter 58: Solara’s Dark SideThe duel between me and Arden had ended, and the tense rivalry between the students of Braveheart Knight Academy and Solara Magic Academy seemed to ease, at least for the moment. The sharp gazes from the magic students softened, but it was clear the tension wasn’t gone entirely—it had merely shifted into a more subdued rivalry.
With classes resuming today, there wasn’t much time to dwell on the duel. However, Amelia approached me 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 confirmed my suspicion: Arsene had intentionally sent us here to uncover the culprits behind the Shadows’ movements 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. Amelia nodded grimly. We agreed to conduct night patrols again, hoping to catch the Shadows in the act.
...
After class ended, we still had time before the evening patrol. I suggested to my team that we explore the Solara Magic Academy grounds. Lyra, Freya, Amelia, and Marius seemed 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 time in a library, Milly," I teased. "Did you suddenly develop an interest in magic? I thought you were all about swordsmanship."
Milly shot me 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 stammered, looking surprisingly shy. She wasn’t usually this timid. Was this the same energetic elf I knew?
Before I could respond, Windy chimed in enthusiastically, "Oh, I know just the book! Come on, I’ll show you!" She eagerly led Milly and Aisha away to a section filled with tomes on elemental magic.
Now focused on grimoires, Sanders pointed us toward several texts about their history and development. We took notes on their origins, construction, and types.
From our re
"Naoki! Amelia! 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 Amelia’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 me. Then, he chuckled, an amused smile spreading across his face.
"Naoki, you wield Dark Magic, and Amelia uses Divine Magic. Isn’t that interesting?" he said. "You two are like opposites. A pair destined to clash but somehow standing side by side."
Before I could respond, Amelia 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 elements are opposites, our personalities complement 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 stammered, trying to pull my hand away, but her grip only tightened.
"Not yet," Amelia said with a soft laugh, leaning closer. "But someday."
She laughed again, this time more playfully, and continued to cling to my arm like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Meanwhile, Envi’s voice chimed in my head, filled with unrestrained amusement.
"Well, well, look at you, buddy. I guess I don’t even need to interfere this time HAHAHA!"
"Shut up, Envi!" I shot back in my mind, feeling utterly defeated.
With Amelia 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 women 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 me. 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!