Darkblade98

Plot:
After an ordinary school day, the young student Yuri suddenly finds herself transported to a world completely different from the one she knew. She discovers that she has been sent to the Realm of Shadows, a place inhabited by magical creatures and dangerous monsters.

With the help of a mysterious and captivating sorceress named Kayla, Yuri learns that she is destined to become the Savior of the Realm of Shadows, tasked with defeating the evil Dark King who threatens to destroy all forms of life in the kingdom.

As she faces increasingly greater and more dangerous challenges, Yuri discovers she possesses unsuspected magical powers that allow her to manipulate shadows themselves. Along her journey, she gains new allies, including a brave knight and a gentle forest spirit.

Confronting betrayals, intrigues, and epic battles, Yuri must prove her courage and inner strength to protect the Realm of Shadows and restore light to a land now engulfed in darkness.

The World Of Shadows

The path that opened between the arches of the Forest of Illusions seemed like a bridge suspended between dream and reality. Petals continued to fall, as if moved by a wind that wasn't there, and each step Yuri took made the ground softly creak, as though the forest itself was breathing.

After a few minutes, they reached a large lacquered wooden gate, decorated with carved fox masks. The gate opened on its own, without anyone touching it, revealing a vast blooming garden and the magnificent castle that towered over the entire landscape.

The structure was harmonious and slender, inspired by the most ancient Japanese architecture: curved roofs, red bridges over small ponds, stone lanterns everywhere, and cherry trees in full bloom despite the season. The Castle of Illusions rose with grace, white and pink, as if it had been sculpted from legend.

Yuri approached slowly, visibly entranced.

"Exactly," murmured Kayla. "And yet it's all real. Or at least, real enough."

From the garden's columns emerged three female figures dressed in kimonos: they were kitsune handmaidens, with golden eyes and graceful movements. Each of them carried a fox mask hanging from their belt.

"Welcome to our Lady's realm," said one of the handmaidens in a melodic voice. "You are expected."

Yuu bounced forward, apparently excited.

Alexander—or rather, Lucen—hung back, observing every detail carefully. Every little sound, every reflection seemed to hold something more. Something unspoken.

The group was escorted inside the castle. The doors slid silently, and the corridors were lined with rice paper decorated with moving paintings: flowers blooming, stormy seas, dragons chasing one another among the clouds. Constant, shifting illusions—but never threatening.

"It feels… all designed to impress us."

Kayla nodded. "Kitsune don't fight with strength. They win you over with what you desire. Or fear."

One of the handmaidens led them to a circular hall with a ceiling painted with stars. At the center, a small throne remained empty. No sign of Ayame. But her scent lingered in the air: peach blossoms and soft incense.

"The Lady will observe you for now," said the handmaiden. "And decide whether to show you her face."

"No. This is just the preparation. The trial is coming soon."

Chapter 8 – The Castle of a Thousand Faces