Haruto's training intensified. With Lyra's guidance, he honed his shadow magic. He learned to create objects from shadows, move unseen, and detect lies in others' hearts.
They didn't stay alone for long. Others misled by the King joined them—refugees, rebel soldiers, and even a dryad whose home had been destroyed by the King's attacks.
Haruto looked at the growing group of resisters before turning to Lyra, who gave him an encouraging nod. "We will expose the King's lies," he declared passionately. "Not just for revenge, but for justice—because the King has deceived and betrayed many."
As Haruto prepared to leave the forest, he whispered a promise to himself.
Haruto would return to his kingdom and his fellow citizens, but no longer as a rejected coward. He would come back as his own shadow, ready to reveal all their deceptions.
[And thus begins the journey of Haruto, filled with experiences as he fosters unity among humans, elves, and all magical beings, exposes the King's corruption, and builds a new society where all types of magic can coexist. All while finding love with Lyra.]