The trial was merely for show. No one listened as Haruto attempted to explain that this power was not his choice; it had chosen him. "He is clearly a threat to our kingdom," the King proclaimed.
"Though we are merciful," Alistair continued, "we shall not execute someone so young. But we will banish you to the Forest of Lost Souls instead. May the gods have mercy on your corrupted soul."
Guards forcefully pulled Haruto toward a massive stone gate at the edge of the kingdom. Beyond it lay a forest so dark and foreboding that just stepping inside felt like losing all hope.
"Please! I'm not your enemy!" Haruto shouted.
The lead guard sneered at him. "All shadow mages eventually become monsters. Consider this a mercy."
With a hard shove, Haruto fell through the gate, which slammed shut behind him. He found himself alone in a forest where sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, and distant, eerie cries echoed through the air.
The first few days were all about survival. He learned to use his shadow powers to fend off predators and create basic tools. The very powers that had condemned him now kept him alive.
On the seventh day, wounded and weak from an encounter with shadow wolves, Haruto collapsed near a stream, convinced his end was near.