Darkness

Once in my room, all I could think about is the kiss I had with Syvis. The feel of her full lips against mine. It is the first time that I kissed like this. Amelia sometimes used to give me a quick kiss very different from the one I had moments ago. I want to do it again. Lying in my bed thinking about Syvis makes me hard, but I think I should try to get some more sleep since tomorrow when I will start training with Kiara again. Also, I haven't dreamt of Ophelia these days. I would like to see her soon as there are things I want to ask her.

Once I fell asleep, I opened my eyes and was facing Ophelia.

(Something changed in you. Our connection is stronger now)

I was still not fully conscious when Opelia said those words that surprised me.

"Well, something indeed happened that I needed to ask you and in fact, I wanted to meet you."

(I know, this time you came in on your own)

"I'm here on my own?"

(In previous occasions when you slept, there were moments in which our connection was a little stronger and I could attract you here, but this time, you came without me having to do anything. I imagine it is linked to what happened to you. Tell me what happened)

Did I enter on my own? All I did was want to see Ophelia before sleeping. I wonder if that's the way to get in here at will.

"I recently learned the summon skill, but something strange happened. The only element I can control is water, and it was expected that what I summoned would be related to that element but what I summoned is something completely different. Syvis... I mean, my mentor who taught me the skill, doesn't know what happened either."

(Show me)

I doubted since Syvis asked me not to use that summon until she find out more about what happened, but maybe Ophelia can help me. To summon, I need my staff that I don't t have here now but remember that I don't need it in this place. Just with my hands, I successfully summoned the owl, which had the same appearance as last time—a black plumage with a black aura around it.

"Do you know something about it?"

(I'm not sure. The feeling it gives me is very familiar, but I can't remember from where. Undoubtedly, the fact that that summon has chosen you is the reason that our bond is stronger. Your darkness is more notable now. )

Did I hear, right? Darkness? "What do you mean that the darkness in me is more notable?"

(As you can tell, I can't see you physically, but I can feel your presence and see a dark essence in you that unites us, and that has been getting stronger. The way to make our bond stronger is that. You need to grow that darkness)

"Do I need to learn dark magic or something like that?"

(I'm not sure. The darkness that unites us is different from dark magic, but it has a similarity. You were able to summon that creature for a reason. Try to think what that reason was)

Darkness... Isn't that something bad guys use in storybooks I've read. I don't see myself being that kind of person. Besides, I don't know how I have this darkness that Ophelia talks about. I don't remember doing anything special.

"About the owl. Is it safe for me to use it?"

(That summon is stronger than you think, I can feel it. If the darkness grows in you, you will have no problem controlling it)

"I see..."

Maybe for now, it's better that I don't use it until I know more about it.

(Now that you can enter this place at will, you can train freely while you sleep)

It's true! If I can really train while I sleep, that would be great. I'm still weaker than my peers, so I can't waste time.

"I'll do it!"

While training in that place of darkness with the help of Ophelia, for some reason, she knew when it was time for me to return to the real world. Being able to train in this place without limitations is great, and when I wake up, I feel good as if I had slept normally. After a shower, I went to the dining room to meet my friends.

Shalia stopped eating for a moment and asked, "We only have a couple of days left with Kiara and then it will be the last week where everyone can choose the mentor with whom to train. Do you know who to choose?"

We all stopped eating and stared in Shalia's direction. It is true... until now, we have been a team, but I had not thought about the possibility that each of us would likely choose a different mentor in the last week. And even more, we may choose different guilds.

Before anyone could answer Shalia's question, a maid arrived with several letters at our table and distributed them among us. When I saw mine, I saw my mother's name written on it. It has been almost a month since I spoke to my mother for the last time. The distance between Riledo and Merton is several days, so the letters take time to arrive.

Me, Shalia and Leona each received one letter, but Ryul received quite a few.

"Who are all those letters from?" Shalia asked.

"Ugg, I told my sisters not to write so many letters, but they don't know limits." Ryul reply, "And some others are from people in my village that I know."

Ryul's sisters seemed very close to him. I remember that they cried a lot the day we left his village and even his father, who looked like a bear, was also on the verge of crying. Besides that, many people from his village went to see him off. He seemed to be someone dear to them. And I understand that since Ryul is a good person.

Everyone started reading their letters, therefore I opened mine and started reading.

Hello dear,

I can't believe how fast time passes. At times, I still expect to see you walk through the door of our house. It is a bit sad to know that you will not do it, but at the same time, it makes me proud that you are moving forward with your life. I am glad that you have arrived safely in Riledo and that even though you did not have the results you wanted in the ritual, you are training in the castle with incredible people. Keep working hard without looking back, and you will soon find the answers you are looking for.

For my part, everything has been calm, although lately the monsters in the forest have been acting strange. Types of monsters appear that commonly only lurk in the forest's depths. Still, it's nothing I can't take care of, so don't worry.

I hope you are taking good care of Amelia and Oliver. The three of you have always been very close and have always dreamed of going to the city together, so now that you have finally achieved your goal, don't lower your guard, as Riledo can be challenging. Make sure you three don't get involved with the wrong people. I know that you tend to trust people very easily, but that is something that you cannot do lightly in the city. Be careful.

There is a matter that I have to take care of in Riledo, so I will come to visit you soon. Once you have a place to live, let me know so I can go there.

Make sure you train hard and learn as much as you can but take care of your body and don't do anything too risky. I'm counting the days to see each other again. I want you to know that I am proud of you and that I miss you very much.

Ps: Alice and everyone in the village sends you their greetings.

I didn't tell my mother about the relationship I have or rather the relationship that I no longer have with Amelia. I think the best thing would be to tell her in person. Anyways, reading her letter makes me very happy.

I'm glad that I will see her soon, but I wonder what other business my mother has in the city...

I finished reading my letter when Shalia got up from the table and ran to the dining room's exit. We were confused by how suddenly she left. Leona tried to go after her, but I asked her to let me go after her as I have an idea why Shalia acted that way. After all, she told me about the situation with her family. Leona accepted, a bit confused, so I left the dining room after Shalia, who I found sitting on a bench.

Shalia was crying, so walking slowly, I sat next to her. When she realized that it was me, she hugged me.

"Darx...!"

Trying to comfort her, I hugged her in the same way until she calmed down a bit, and she explained to me what was happening.

"I'm sorry, Darx." Shaila said between sobs.

"You don't have to apologize. You've helped me a lot so don't worry. Did something happen?"

Shalia wiped her eyes and began to explain to me, "The letter is from my parents. They had to flee to the Beast-Kinds territory as their life was in danger."

"What? Why?"

"The nobleman I told you about was enraged when he learned that my parents helped me escape to come to Riledo, and he took it out on my parents by completely ruining their business and threatening their lives."

"Are they okay?" I asked.

"Yes, but they lost everything. The letter was sent from Beast-Kind territory, and they are looking to start over again there with the help of friends they have there."

"I'm glad they are okay. That's the most important thing." I reply.

"Only outside of human territory they are safe since the influence of that nobleman will not reach them there." Shaila said between sobs, "But why did all this have to happen? He not only caused the **** of my boyfriend and ruined my life but also that of my parents. I-I really hate him!"

Shalia started crying once more. Her crying was a mixture of pain and anger. I hugged her again, trying to comfort her.

"You are no longer the same Shalia who sneaked into Riledo. Now you are a high-ranking adventurer who can stand up to anyone and you know you can count on me for anything. This is just the beginning. Once we join a guild and we create a name for ourselves, your parents will be able to return without any danger, so let's keep working hard."

"I'm going to make him pay. I swear." Shalia reply.

I just nodded my head. Once Shaila was better, we stood up as we were already late to continue our training with Kiara, but she thanked me once more before leaving.

"Thanks, Darx! I'm really happy that you're close to me."

"Don't worr..."

I was about to tell her not to worry when she kissed me on the cheek out of nowhere.

"Let's go!" Shalia said, walking ahead.

"Ah, yes..."

Where did that come from?

The training with Kiara returned to normal, and at the end of the day, after spending time with my friends in the dining room, I headed to the greenhouse to meet Syvis.

After the kiss we had yesterday, our first meeting was a bit awkward, but soon everything returned to normal. Syvis and I were talking until late into the night about different things when Syvis got out of her chair to make more tea at one point in the night. Nowadays, her facial expression changed when she is alone with me from her usual cold look into a slightly more relaxed. It makes me happy that she only shows herself like that with me.

Seeing her from the back as she prepared the tea while she was only wearing a nightgown that highlights her big and round butt was too much for me, and I could not contain myself. I got up from the chair and walked over to her. I hugged her from behind. I hugged her above her waist with both hands. As our bodies were so close, I could feel the soft sensation of her ass against my half-erect penis.

Am I going too fast? I wondered whether to continue or not when Syvis turned around without saying anything, making her pretty eyes aligned with mine. I can see from her sexy gesture that she was also expecting this to happen. Without saying a word, we kiss. But this time, it was a more intense kiss than last night. Our tongues were intertwining inside our mouths. Hearin Syvis seductive breath and sweet moans after released our lips for moments is fascinating. I was so excited that I wanted more. Lifting my right hand, I gently touched her breast. Syvis moan with pleasure opening her green eyes but never stopping the kiss. Her chest doesn't fit in my hand... is so big and heavy. It is an unbearable sensation. I massaged her breast for a few seconds until Syvis stopped me and walked away from me.

"Ah, sorry... I-I couldn't stop...." I said.

"No, it is not that. It's just not the right time." Syvis replied, but I can see how excited she is too.

"S-Sure there is no rush."

Sivis seemed to want to tell me something but after hesitating she stopped. Thinking that the best thing would be for me to leave for that night, I said goodbye to her, but not before one last kiss.

"Darx, come tomorrow too." Sivis said with a very erotic expression.

I smile and reply, "Yes!"

I returned to my room, still feeling the sensation of her chest in my hand and the taste of her mouth. I can't wait for it to be tomorrow.

The few days that we had left of the third week passed quickly, and tomorrow will be the last day with Kiara. Tomorrow we will have a final test to decide if she will invite us to Dark Dragons or not. On the other hand, my relationship with Syvis continues to advance. Every night I meet her and we go from talking a bit to kissing intensely. At first, I felt a little clumsy due to my lack of experience, but now I think I do better. Syvis seems to like it too, and I can see from her expression that she wants to do more too, but she stops for some reason. I don't know if it's due to the fact that she is a Dark elf, but her excitement is so notorious, and seeing her like that excites me even more.

I have made the decision to choose Syvis as the mentor with whom I will spend the last week at the castle. I will not join Oblivion, but I want to spend a little more time with her before we have to leave the castle, and since she is a summoner, she can teach me more about the skill.

After the training ended, I thought I would go to the dining room to eat something, then go to inform Syvis of my decision, and then return to my room quickly since I want to be rested for for Kiara's test tomorrow. I really want the invitation to Dark Dragons, although I'm still unsure which guild to join. Taking my mother's advice, I should join Dark Dragons, but I feel like Midnight Down suits me better. I have different reasons why I would like to join each one; however, I can't reach a decision yet.

My plans were interrupted as a maid approached me, asking me to come to Harold's office while I was in the dining room. After affirming and saying goodbye to my friends, I went to his office.

Upon entering, I was surprised to see that Gerald was in the room as well. He hadn't been seen since what happened.

"Thanks for coming, Darx." Harold said, sitting behind his desk.

"Ah, yes..."

Gerald looks haggard. It seems that what happened with Caroline is hitting him hard.

"The reason I called both of you is to let you know what we found or rather we didn't find about Caroline."

"Sorry?" I didn't understand what Harold was trying to say.

"We couldn't find Caroline's body." Harold said.

"What?" Gerald reply in surprise.

"No matter how hard we search, we couldn't find her body."

"Is she alive?" Gerald asked frantically.

"It's hard to tell," Harold replied, "In theory, there is no chance that Caroline would survive a fall from that distance. Only someone like Leona, using her skills, could survive. Caroline was an archer, so it should be impossible. The only explanation I find is that someone took her body or that there is more of Caroline than we don't know."

Gerald's expression completely changed just hearing that there is a possibility that Caroline is alive. It's like he's back to life.

"We already spoke with Caroline's family and according to them, they noticed a change in her after the ritual. If something happened, it was in the period between the ritual and the entrance to the castle. Now our focus will be to learn what happened in that period of time. I feel the answer will be there."

I don't remember seeing Caroline while I waited with Ryul for our ritual. She must have taken it before we got there.

"I just wanted to let you know what we discovered at the moment as you two seemed close with her. If you know anything that might be helpful, you can tell me at any time." Harold told us.

Once leaving the office, Gerald and I walked in the same direction but without saying a word. I don't know what to say on this type of situation. We arrived at a T-shaped crossing in which each one took a different path, but before we parted, Gerald spoke.

"Darx, you were close with Caroline for a few days, so you should know her a little more. Do you believe what is said about her?"

I was surprised by his question, "I don't think I spend enough time with Caroline to get to know her well."

Gerald was quiet for a few moments staring at me. Similarly, I don't know Gerald well enough, but my opinion of him keeps changing constantly. As my mother told me before coming here, it is difficult to try to understand people.

In a soft voice and staring into space, Gerald began to speak, "I've known her since we were children. No matter what everyone says, I know that the Caroline that I know would never do those things."

"I would like to think the same, but we all saw what happened that night, and it is proven that she was the one who killed Darren."

"I KNOW, DAMN!! I KNOW!!! BUT... but... Despite being the daughter of a Duke, she was never like the other daughters of noblemen filled with pride and vanity. The Caroline I know is a kind girl who cared about others regardless of social status ...she always scolded me for being arrogant... she wanted me to be better than that."

As Gerald spoke, I can see how his tears began to flow.

"She... she used to made dirt roads so ants could pass when she was a child. Someone like her would never do those things she is accused of." Gerald said, wiping his tears, "Even if nobody believes me, I will find the truth and clear her name so she can come back. I promise."

Gerald, without saying anything else, turned around and left.

I couldn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. I know everything points to Caroline being the culprit, but a part of me wants to believe Gerald's words. Am I stupid for thinking like this? Am I still naive? In a way, seeing Gerald that way reminds me a bit of myself. I believed every word from Amelia and even when she was in front of me being kissed and touched by Kase, I still believed that the Amelia that I know would never be capable of that kind of thing. That Amelia wouldn't lie to me like that and throw away our friendship that way.

But maybe Gerald and me, we are just a pair of fools...

While I was lost in my thoughts, something strange happened. My body began to feel very heavy and it was difficult to breathe. Also, an intense headache made me fall to the ground. In my mind, there was like a fog that didn't let me think clearly, and I began to notice a dark aura similar to the owl that I summoned around me.

W-What's going on?

Two guards arrived with sword in hand, with a scared expression arrive.

"What's going on? Who are you?" One of the guards asked.

"Wait, that boy is one of the adventurers in the castle." The other guard replied, then walking to where I was to try to help me. "What happened? Did someone attack you?"

I was in so much pain that I tried to stretch my hand in the direction of the guard, but a dark energy in me came out like a blast against the two guards, throwing them away against a wall.

I don't know what was happening and shortly after, I lost consciousness.