CHAPTER 10: SHADOWS OF THE PAST

The night was quiet and cold as Kazuki made his way through the cobblestone streets of the town, the flickering light of the lamp posts casting distorted shadows that danced along the walls of the closed shops and homes. The faint creak of wooden signs swaying in the wind was the only sound accompanying his steady footsteps.

Ahead, the grand church rose in the center of town like a guardian of secrets. Its towering spires seemed to pierce the dark sky, and the stained-glass windows glimmered faintly, reflecting the dim light of the moon. The air around it was heavy, as though the building itself carried the weight of unspoken truths.

Kazuki hesitated at the bottom of the stone steps, his hand brushing the hilt of his practice sword. He wasn’t scared—not exactly—but there was a nervous energy buzzing through him. He had come here seeking answers, drawn by the unease that had been gnawing at him since he first noticed the darkness surrounding Myura.

She’s still Myura, he reminded himself. This is just to understand.

With a steadying breath, he climbed the steps and pushed open the heavy wooden doors.

INSIDE THE CHURCH

The interior of the church was vast and dimly lit, the flickering of countless candles casting soft light on the polished stone floor. Rows of wooden pews stretched toward the altar, where a golden cross stood in silent watch. The faint scent of incense lingered in the air, adding to the sense of solemnity.

At the far end of the room, near the altar, Father Malric knelt in silent prayer. His silver hair glinted faintly in the candlelight, and the intricate robes of his station gave him an imposing presence despite his slight hunch.

Kazuki cleared his throat softly, the sound breaking the stillness. Malric rose slowly, turning to face him with piercing eyes that seemed to see straight through him.

“Kazuki,” Malric said, his voice calm but firm. “What brings you here at this hour?”

Kazuki hesitated, glancing around the room before meeting the priest’s gaze. “I… I need to ask you something, Father.”

Malric gestured toward a nearby pew, his expression curious but cautious. “Come. Sit. What troubles you?”

THE QUESTION OF DARK MAGIC

Kazuki sat down stiffly, his hands resting on his knees. For a moment, he considered how much to say. He couldn’t mention Myura—not directly. He had promised himself that he wouldn’t betray her trust.

“I’ve been hearing things,” he began carefully. “About dark magic.”

Malric’s expression darkened immediately, his eyes narrowing. “Dark magic is not a topic to be taken lightly,” he said sharply. “Why do you ask?”

Kazuki’s voice remained steady, though he could feel the weight of Malric’s gaze pressing down on him. “I just… I’ve heard rumors. People say it’s dangerous, that it is a dangerous power. I want to know if that’s true.”

Malric studied him for a long moment, his sharp eyes searching for something unspoken. Finally, he nodded. “You are wise to seek answers. Few understand the true nature of dark magic—or the danger it poses.”

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He leaned forward slightly, his tone grave. “. Dark magic is something one is born with, a curse woven into the very fabric of their soul. And it is not human magic.”

Kazuki’s breath caught in his throat. “Not human?”

Malric nodded, his expression hardening. “Dark magic is the domain of demons. It is their power, their essence. Any human born with it is, by their very nature, tainted. They are no longer fully human, Kazuki. They are part demon, no matter how they may appear.”

THE STORY OF THE DARK BOY

Malric’s gaze grew distant, his voice lowering. “I’ll tell you a story. When I was a young priest, I was sent on a mission with other priests and group of holy knights. We had received reports of strange occurrences in a remote village—crops growing unnaturally fast or just weathering away, and livestock going missing.”

Kazuki leaned in slightly, listening intently.

“When we arrived, we found a boy,” Malric continued. “He was no older than ten, with bright eyes and a shy smile. The villagers adored him, calling him a strange boy who just appeared one day. They said he was the kindest kid anyones ever met.”

The priest’s expression darkened. “We let the boy tag along with us after one of the priest felt bad he was just by himself. But as night fell and everyone settled in for the night, the boy’s true nature was revealed. His kind smile twisted into something monstrous, and shadows rose around him like living creatures. He attacked without warning, his dark magic consuming everything in its path. Half of our party was lost before we could act.”

Kazuki’s fingers tightened against his knees. “What… what happened?”

“The holy knights did what they had to,” Malric said grimly. “It was hard but we destroyed him. But even as he fell, his laughter echoed in the darkness. He was no boy, Kazuki. He was a demon hiding in human form, his true nature masked by a kind face and gentle demeanor.”

THE PRIEST’S WARNING

Kazuki stared at the flickering candles ahead, his thoughts racing. Born with it… part demon… Myura’s face flashed in his mind, her bright smile and determined eyes. He wanted to believe she was different, but Malric’s story gnawed at the edges of his certainty.

“Those born with dark magic cannot escape their nature,” Malric said, his voice firm. “No matter how kind they seem, the darkness within them will always surface. It is only a matter of time before any of them show their true colors.”

Kazuki swallowed hard, his chest tightening. “What should someone do if they… encounter a person with dark magic?”

Malric’s gaze sharpened. “Report them immediately. The church exists to protect this land from the corruption of darkness. If you ever suspect someone of wielding such power, you must come to me and the holy knights and I will deal with them.”

Kazuki nodded slowly, his face unreadable. “I understand.”

THE PRIEST’S SUSPICION

As Kazuki left the church, the chill of the night felt sharper, the streets emptier than before. His footsteps echoed on the cobblestones, each one carrying the weight of Malric’s words. He had kept Myura’s secret, but doubt lingered in his heart.

Inside the church, Malric stood near the altar, his expression grim. A figure stepped out of the shadows—a tall man clad in gleaming armor, the captain of the holy knights.

“Follow him,” Malric said quietly, his voice low and dangerous. “A boy like that does not ask about dark magic without reason. He has seen it—I am sure of it.”

The knight inclined his head. “And if he leads us to the source?”

Malric’s eyes gleamed coldly in the candlelight. “Then we will do what must be done.”

FORESHADOWING

Kazuki’s shadow stretched long under the flickering lamp posts as he made his way home, his thoughts churning. She’s still Myura, he told himself, but the priest’s words lingered like a poison in his mind.

Meanwhile, in the quiet of the church, Malric’s voice echoed softly in the candlelit space: “Darkness has no place in this world… and we will not suffer its presence.”