Chapter 8: The Rise of Shadows
Kaito's life in Altheria became even more complicated after the festival. Despite his efforts to keep a low profile, the intensity of Lilia and Emilia's obsessions only increased. The rivalry between the two women escalated into public displays that caught the attention of the entire region.
Year 22: Shadows Stir
One morning, Kaito received a summons to the royal capital. The king, hearing of Kaito's victories in the tournament, had ordered him to join the kingdom's elite force known as the Shadow Knights.
"Congratulations, Kaito," Lord Alaric said, beaming with pride. "This is a great honor for our family."
Kaito, however, felt uneasy. The Shadow Knights were known for their dangerous missions, and being part of such a prestigious force would only bring him more attention—something he desperately wanted to avoid.
"That's one way to run from your yandere admirers," Simmy teased. "Or… it could just make things worse."
Kaito sighed. "You're not helping."
The day of his departure, both Lilia and Emilia appeared at the gates of his family's estate.
"You can't leave!" Lilia cried, grabbing his arm. "I'll come with you!"
"Me too!" Emilia added, determined.
"No. Stay here. It's too dangerous," Kaito insisted.
Lilia's eyes darkened. "If you leave, I'll find you."
Emilia nodded solemnly. "You can't hide from us."
Kaito's stomach churned. As he rode toward the capital, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to become even more chaotic.
--- Arrival at the Capital
The royal capital of Altheria was a sprawling metropolis of towering spires and bustling markets. Kaito reported to the Shadow Knights' barracks, where he was introduced to Captain Darius, a grizzled veteran with a stern demeanor.
"New recruit, huh?" Darius grunted. "We'll see if you've got what it takes."
Training with the Shadow Knights was brutal. Kaito pushed himself to the limit, determined to distract himself from the chaos of his personal life. However, peace was short-lived.
One afternoon, while sparring with a fellow knight, a messenger arrived with urgent news.
"Sir Kaito, you have visitors."
Kaito froze. "Visitors?"
The messenger nodded. "Two young women. They're waiting at the gates."
"Of course they are," Kaito muttered under his breath.
--- Confrontation
Lilia and Emilia stood at the entrance of the barracks, both wearing determined expressions.
"You didn't think we'd let you leave us behind, did you?" Lilia asked.
"We've joined the Mage Corps," Emilia added proudly. "We'll be stationed near the Shadow Knights."
Kaito felt a headache coming on. "You two are insane."
"We're dedicated," Lilia corrected. "To you."
Simmy chuckled. "They're not letting go anytime soon."
Despite Kaito's protests, Lilia and Emilia remained in the capital. Their presence stirred rumors among the knights and mages, and Kaito found himself under constant scrutiny.
--- The First Mission
Kaito's first mission with the Shadow Knights was to investigate reports of dark magic in a nearby village. Captain Darius led the team, with Kaito and several other knights in tow.
The village was eerily quiet when they arrived. Fields lay abandoned, and homes were boarded up.
"Stay alert," Darius ordered.
As they moved through the village, Kaito felt a familiar chill. Dark energy pulsed through the air, setting his nerves on edge.
Suddenly, shadows erupted from the ground, forming grotesque creatures with glowing red eyes.
"Ambush!" Darius shouted.
The knights drew their swords, clashing with the shadow beasts. Kaito fought fiercely, his training kicking in as he dodged and struck with precision.
One of the creatures lunged at Darius, but Kaito intercepted it with a powerful blow.
"Impressive," Darius said, giving Kaito a rare nod of approval.
The battle raged on until the last of the shadow creatures dissipated into smoke. However, the danger wasn't over.
A figure emerged from the shadows—a tall, hooded man with a sinister aura.
"You've only delayed the inevitable," the man said. "The Shadow King will rise."
Before anyone could react, the figure vanished into thin air.
--- Back at the Capital
The team returned to the capital with grim news. The Shadow Knights began preparations for a full-scale investigation into the Shadow King's resurgence.
Meanwhile, Lilia and Emilia's presence continued to complicate Kaito's life. Despite the looming threat of dark forces, they remained fixated on him.
One evening, Kaito found himself cornered by both girls in the training yard.
"Kaito," Lilia began, her eyes blazing with intensity. "You need to choose."
"Choose?" Kaito repeated, confused.
"Me or Emilia," Lilia said firmly. "You can't keep running."
Emilia stepped forward. "We won't wait forever."
Kaito felt trapped. The weight of their expectations, combined with the dangers of his new life, threatened to crush him.
Simmy's voice broke the silence. "Time's up, Kaito. What's it going to be?"
Kaito clenched his fists. "I… can't."
Both girls stared at him, hurt flashing across their faces.
"I'm not ready," he admitted. "I need to focus on the Shadow Knights. There's too much at stake."
Lilia's eyes narrowed. "This isn't over."
Emilia nodded. "We'll wait. But not forever."
As they walked away, Kaito felt a sense of foreboding. The shadows of Altheria weren't the only danger he faced—his own cursed fate was closing in around him.
--- End of Chapter 8