Chapter 6: Shadows and Bonds
Haru's POV
The "guards" outside were real, but their news wasn't what I expected.
Guard: "The bandit you caught is dead. Someone assassinated him before we could interrogate him. We suspect there's a larger organization at work."
My chest tightens. I already had a feeling, but hearing it out loud makes it real.
Guard: "Be careful. Whoever they are, they know about you now."
After they left, silence filled the room. Aina sat hugging her stuffed toy again, her eyes distant.
Aina: "…Haru, it's my fault. If I didn't have these horns—"
Haru: "Stop."
I reach out and tap her forehead.
Haru: "Didn't I say it before? Aina is still Aina. Horns or no horns."
Her lips curve into the faintest smile, but I can tell she's still blaming herself.
---
The Next Morning
If I'm going to protect her, I can't stay weak. This "shadow" ability… I need to master it.
We head to the clearing near the hill where the grass is soft and no one else comes. Aina watches as I concentrate, summoning the strange black aura again.
Haru: "Come on… work already."
The shadows coil around my arm, stretching like liquid. But the moment I try to shape it, it collapses into smoke.
Aina: "Your control is too rough. Shadows are fragile… they need to flow, not be forced."
She lifts her hand. Golden particles drift from her fingertips like fireflies.
Aina: "Watch closely. Magic responds to intent, not just strength. You need to guide it, like water."
I take a breath and try again. This time, instead of forcing the shadow into a blade, I let it move naturally. The aura bends and—
shhk!
—forms into a jagged dagger.
Haru: "…I did it."
Aina: "See? You're learning fast."
Her smile… yeah, it's worth the pain.
---
Later That Day
We rest under the shade of the tree on the hill. The training drained me more than I expected.
Haru: "Hey, Aina. When you used your 'Transfer Suffering'… did you ever think I wouldn't survive?"
Aina: "…Yes. I was terrified. But you still smiled and told me not to stop. That's why I trusted you."
Her voice is quiet, but her words sink deep.
Haru: "Then trust me again. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."
She nods, clutching her toy.
For a moment, it feels peaceful.
---
Meanwhile – In the Town
The assassin walks among the crowd unnoticed.
Assassin: "…The boy adapts too quickly. If he continues, he might surpass even the chosen vessels."
He places a mark on the wall, a dark emblem glowing faintly before vanishing.
Assassin: "The hunt begins."
---
Back on the Hill
Suddenly, I feel it—like a cold breath brushing my neck.
Haru: "…We're being watched again."
Aina stiffens.
This time, it isn't just paranoia.
---
End of Chapter 6