Shadows Of Fate

The Silver Curse – Volume 3, Chapter 6: Shadows of Fate

The Aftermath of Selphira's Offer

Yuto stood in silence, the weight of Selphira's words pressing down on him like an unshakable force. The air between them remained tense, Mira standing at his side, her fists clenched as if ready to drag him away if necessary.

Selphira's golden eyes gleamed in the moonlight. "I won't ask again, Yuto. You have a place waiting for you in the Demon Army."

Yuto didn't respond immediately. His mind was tangled in conflicting thoughts. He knew she wasn't lying. If he joined, he wouldn't have to struggle as a mere adventurer anymore. He would have power, resources… and perhaps even answers about his curse.

Mira stepped forward, her voice sharp. "He's not going with you."

Selphira tilted her head slightly, a knowing smirk forming on her lips. "That's for him to decide, don't you think?" Her gaze returned to Yuto, analyzing his expression. "Take your time. But know this—your path as an adventurer is ending. Whether you want to or not, the world will force you to make a choice."

With that, she turned, her cape billowing behind her as she vanished into the night. The air around them grew still, but the tension lingered.

Mira exhaled, the frustration evident in her eyes. "You're not actually considering it… are you?"

Yuto didn't answer right away. He wanted to say no, to reassure her. But the truth was… he wasn't sure anymore.

Lina and Lyra's Pursuit – A Trail of Rumors

Lina wiped the sweat from her brow as she and Lyra approached the entrance to a bustling city. Their journey had been exhausting, but they couldn't stop now. Yuto was out there, somewhere, slipping further away with each passing day.

They had been chasing whispers, fragments of rumors about a silver-haired swordsman who moved like a phantom. Each lead brought them closer, but they were always just behind him.

"Let's check the adventurer's guild first," Lina said, adjusting the strap of her satchel. "If he's been here, someone will have noticed."

Lyra followed, her expression unreadable. "And what if he's not here? What if he doesn't want to be found?"

Lina stiffened. She had been trying to ignore that possibility.

Inside the guild, the atmosphere was as lively as ever. Adventurers drank and laughed, boasting about their recent quests. Lina approached the counter and asked the receptionist, "We're looking for someone. Silver hair, swordsman. Have you seen him?"

The woman frowned before nodding slowly. "Yeah… I think so. Someone like that was here a few days ago. Didn't talk much. People called him dangerous. Said he had an… unsettling aura."

Lina's stomach twisted. "Where did he go?"

"Not sure. But if I had to guess, he's heading toward the frontier. That's where all the real danger is."

Lyra crossed her arms. "Of course he is."

Lina swallowed hard. She had to find him—before it was too late.

Yuto's First Dark Choice – The Curse Tightens

A few nights later, Yuto and Mira took on another quest—a bounty hunt. It was simple enough: track down a group of raiders who had been terrorizing travelers.

But something about this fight felt different.

As Yuto clashed with the leader of the raiders, he felt his rings pulsing against his skin, whispering to him, feeding into his instincts. His movements became sharper, more precise, more ruthless.

The raider fell to his knees, gasping for breath. His weapon lay broken beside him.

"P-Please," the man stammered, fear flooding his eyes. "I surrender."

Yuto raised his blade. His breathing was steady. Too steady.

The rings hummed with satisfaction, urging him forward.

Finish it.

Mira's voice cut through the haze. "Yuto! Stop!"

He blinked. The sword was inches from the raider's neck. His hands trembled. How long had he been standing like that?

He exhaled sharply and lowered his weapon. The raider scrambled away, disappearing into the forest.

Mira placed a hand on his shoulder. "That wasn't like you."

Yuto clenched his fists. Wasn't it?

Selphira's Next Move – The Watcher in the Shadows

Far from where Yuto and Mira traveled, a lone figure crouched on a rooftop, watching them from a distance. A demon scout, clad in dark armor, observed every move.

The scout narrowed his eyes, focusing on Yuto's hesitation.

He smirked. She was right. He's already falling into our hands.

With a silent leap, the scout disappeared into the night, returning to his master.

Inside a grand chamber deep within the Demon Army's stronghold, Selphira sat on her throne, sipping wine as she listened to the scout's report.

"He hesitated, but the curse is pulling him in," the scout said, kneeling before her.

Selphira chuckled, swirling the liquid in her cup. "Good. He may fight it, but in the end…" Her lips curled into a knowing smile. "He'll have no choice but to embrace it."

The flickering torches cast shadows along the walls, and for the first time in centuries, Selphira felt excited.

A Tense Reunion Approaches

Back in the city, Lina and Lyra had gathered as much information as they could. They now had a direction—a destination. Yuto was heading to the frontier.

Lina exhaled deeply, gripping the hilt of her sword. "We're running out of time. If we don't reach him soon…"

Lyra's expression darkened. "Then we may never get him back."

As they mounted their horses and rode toward the horizon, they had no idea how close they were.

Or how much Yuto had already changed.

End of Chapter 6