5:33 AM
I had woken up early.
"I need to prepare for tomorrow."
As explained by Professor Sebastian, in three days, there would be a practical exam at Spectra Academy.
Since it was Thursday, that meant the test would take place the next day—Friday.
In my novel, I had written that the test would happen in an isolated area simulating a forest, but now I knew it was far more complex than it seemed.
Spectra had an artificial portal, created through advanced technology and combined magic, which transported students to a forest-like region.
This portal was fully controlled by the academy, allowing Spectra to monitor and adjust the environment for each test.
Thus, students could venture into it without any real danger of death, but still under intense and realistic pressure.
There wasn't much to worry about—or at least that's what the professor wanted us to believe.
This test was essential to push the students' limits and skills. It was also the moment in my novel when the characters began forming stronger bonds amidst the challenges.
"…"
I was finishing breakfast preparations; the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet scent of bread in the toaster.
With a mug in hand, I turned to switch off the TV, but a breaking news story caught my attention and made me pause.
The screen displayed scenes of chaos on a European street, and the reporter spoke urgently.
"Shocking revelations today: once again, authorities have exposed members of the Seita de Ombra. Among those captured is the influential politician Gustav Müller, the mayor of a well-known European city, along with two of his closest aides—Elena Vostok, Secretary of Urban Development, and Marco Silvestri, Internal Security Advisor. Attempts to apprehend them escalated into a violent confrontation in Vienna, resulting in multiple deaths and arrests."
"Additionally, the government detained several other local figures, including businessmen and a renowned cultural icon, all of whom apparently received secret orders from the Seita. Details of these arrests are still emerging, but the impact is already being felt across various sectors of society."
I watched, frozen, as images of men and women with glowing eyes fought against heroes.
Something within me recoiled at the sight of it.
It was a harsh reminder of the reality I had written.
"Ordinary people seduced by the promise of power, and now look at this."
I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
Even though they were different pacts, I knew the price to be paid.
"Sigh!"
"How am I going to stop this?"
I opened the system window once more, looking at the familiar message.
[System Alert: Time remaining until full possession by the demon: 4 years.]
'I have 4 years, then.'
In my original novel, I hadn't yet reached the part where Evan would be possessed by a demon. I hadn't written anything to prevent it.
'The only way I described in my novel to avoid being possessed by a demon… was death.'
Back on Earth, I had planned to create a way to circumvent Evan's curse without dying. But since I had been sent into my novel's world, I never got the chance to develop or write it.
The only thing I could do now was follow the novel's storyline. Of course, if I could interfere and change something for my own benefit, I would do it in a heartbeat.
I turned off the TV, the grim echo of the news still hanging in the air.
My coffee, now forgotten, cooled on the table as I got lost in thought.
The Seita de Ombra was a growing shadow over this world I had, unintentionally, helped shape.
'If the Seita de Ombra keeps growing, the damage could be immense.'
I could feel the weight of the world I had created pressing on my shoulders. But at the same time, an inner voice whispered, trying to ease the burden.
'But it's not like this is my problem; in this world, I'm just another person.'
I walked to the window, looking out at the peaceful street below. People came and went, oblivious to the problems brewing beneath the surface.
For a moment, I wished I could be like them—ignorant and unburdened by threats only I knew existed.
I already had enough problems of my own.
My curse was a labyrinth with no apparent escape, a cruel game where the only way out I had written was through death.
And now, I was supposed to worry about a growing demon cult?
I shook my head, trying to dispel the rising despair.
"Evan, you're not a hero."
I spoke aloud, as if hearing my own voice would make the statement more real.
'There are other forces at play here, people with the power to face this kind of threat.'
Even without writing it, I knew heroes and villains would emerge, as they always did in times of crisis.
Returning to the table, I picked up my mug and took a long sip of the now-cold coffee.
'Focus on your own survival. I'm sure those people will handle the Seita de Ombra.'
I advised myself, trying to shake off the guilt of not stepping into the savior role no one had asked me to fill.
I already had a battle to fight—a solitary, internal one.
Leaving the kitchen, my thoughts still churned over the news, but I resolved to focus on my immediate problems.
There was only so much I could carry, and that morning, I felt like I was at my limit.
—————————————————————————————————
8:00 AM
I had spent the morning training my shadow control extensively. Improving my manipulation of shadows was essential if I wanted to succeed in this world.
And it wasn't a wasted effort.
A notification from the system popped up, informing me that I had earned [10 points].
These points were likely gained from my fight with Seraphina and the continuous use of my shadow abilities.
I needed to train my skills whenever possible if I wanted to earn more points.
===
After the morning training, my focus shifted to the daily routine.
Preparing breakfast for Noah and Emma was a task that allowed me, even for a few moments, to forget the looming worries of the demonic curse.
The kitchen filled with the aroma of pancakes and the sound of childish laughter.
"Are you enjoying it?" I asked as I served another round of pancakes.
"It's delicious!" Emma exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy.
Noah, trying to maintain a more serious demeanor, simply nodded, though the corner of his mouth betrayed his true contentment.
After breakfast, the next task was taking them to school.
The walk was an opportunity to talk about their dreams, fears, and, of course, what they had learned.
Understanding those two was one of my main goals.
As we approached the school gate, we slowed our pace, wanting to stretch out those last moments together before parting for the day.
The morning sun gave the path a special glow, promising a day full of possibilities.
"Don't forget," I said, turning to Emma and Noah with a smile.
"I want to hear everything when I pick you up later. Anything new you learn, anything funny that happens—everything."
I had never had siblings when I lived on Earth and had left my parents' house early. The feeling I got from being with Emma and Noah was something new, something I cherished.
Emma jumped with excitement.
"Today we have art class! I'm going to make a special drawing for you, Evan!"
Her joy was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile even wider.
Noah, always trying to act more mature, nodded seriously.
"And I have a math test. I studied a lot; I think it's going to go well."
"I'm proud of both of you," I said, genuinely moved by their dedication.
"And I can't wait to see your drawing, Emma. And Noah, I'm sure you'll ace the test."
We stopped at the gate, and I knelt to meet their eyes, looking at them intently.
"Have fun today and look out for each other, okay? If anything happens, tell your teacher immediately."
They nodded, seemingly used to these mornings full of advice and encouragement.
Emma hugged me tightly, radiating a genuine warmth I hadn't known before.
Noah, maintaining his mature act, gave me a quick but meaningful hug.
For a moment, I stood there, feeling that unexpected yet familiar warmth.
Was this what it felt like to have someone important to care for?
Something close to… family?
When was the last time I felt something like this on Earth? A bond that wasn't fleeting or shallow…
I couldn't help but wonder.
And now, what should I do?
Should I show more confidence?
Or maybe it was better to hide the growing uncertainty within me?
Being an older brother required strength… or honesty?
These questions danced in my mind, but one thing was clear: I needed to protect these kids, even if it meant learning to live beyond the story I knew.
"See you later, Evan!" they called out together, walking toward the gate to join some friends.
I stood there, watching them enter the school, a sense of responsibility and sibling love filling my heart.
With one last look at the school entrance, I turned and began my walk to Spectra, ready for another day of intensive preparation.
—————————————————————————————————
[Spectra: 2 hours later]
The sun was higher in the sky, bathing Spectra's training grounds in golden light.
The air was alive with the clash of metal, the hum of conjured magic, and the occasional laughter or shout of encouragement.
At the center of the field, a duel captured everyone's attention.
"Ting!"
"Do you really have to be so patronizing?"
Seraphina said to Arthur, her voice tinged with frustration.
"I'm just trying to ensure a good training session for both of us, Seraphina," Arthur replied with his calm smile and unshakable gentleness.
The atmosphere around the training grounds grew more intense as the battle between Arthur and Seraphina raged on.
The air vibrated with the tension of their fight as the spectators watched, captivated by the spectacle.
"Clang!"
The resounding sound of swords meeting echoed across the field, each blow exchanged with precision and skill.
Arthur, with his impeccable stance, dodged one of Seraphina's agile strikes, countering with a series of quick thrusts.
"Really, Arthur? Is that all you've got?" Seraphina taunted, her earlier frustration transforming into a fiery challenge.
She spun, her sword singing through the air, launching an attack imbued with a faint red aura.
The fight intensified, each movement heavy with the weight of their skills and the desire to outdo one another.
The crowd watched in respectful silence, all impressed by the prowess of both combatants.
"Shring!"
The blades clashed again, sparks flying as they moved in a dance of steel.
Arthur, ever the gentleman, simply smiled at the challenge. His defense was as solid as his patience.
"I could ask the same of you, Seraphina," he replied, his voice light in contrast to the intensity of his movements.
"But I'd rather see how far you can go."
"Clash!"
Suddenly, with a dexterity that outmatched Seraphina's speed and strength, Arthur found an opening.
In a move so swift it barely registered with the spectators, he disarmed Seraphina, his sword now pointing lightly at her in a dramatic pause.
"That was an excellent training session, Seraphina, but it seems I got the better of us this time," Arthur said, his tone still full of respect and admiration.
Seraphina, clearly frustrated but also impressed, stepped back and regained her composure, looking at Arthur with a newfound recognition in her eyes.
"Haaah…"
"It seems you did, Arthur. You've won this time."
She admitted, though the competitive fire within her still burned brightly.
"But don't think this is over. Next time, you'll definitely lose."
Arthur simply smiled.
====
At Spectra's training grounds, the rhythmic sound of Evan's footsteps echoed as he ran around the track, pushing himself to keep up with the demanding physical exercises.
Luna, seated on the edge of the field, observed the scene, particularly Evan's effort. She noted his intensity, a quality that intrigued her.
"He really does have something special," she murmured, still trying to figure out what it was about him that drew so much attention.
'But what does Seraphina see in this guy?'
When Evan finished his laps alongside other students, he paused to catch his breath.
Luna seized the moment to approach him.
Her purple hair swayed gently with each step as she walked toward him, a friendly smile on her face.
"Evan, right?" she called out, keeping her tone light and approachable.
"You seem pretty focused."
Evan, still catching his breath from the run, looked up, surprised by her approach. Seeing someone—especially Luna—come to him was unexpected.
'What does she want with me?' he wondered.
"Thanks. Just trying to improve," he replied, still slightly winded and unsure of what to say.
Luna smiled, her expression tinged with mild admiration.
"That's great. It's exactly what Spectra values."
She chuckled softly before adding:
"Seraphina mentioned you, you know?"
Evan frowned, questioning why Seraphina had taken an interest in him.
"We had a duel. That's all," he replied, trying to sound casual.
At that moment, Seraphina and Arthur approached, and Seraphina shot a sharp look at Evan and Luna.
She crossed her arms, observing the scene with a mix of curiosity and challenge.
"And since when are you and this guy so close, Luna?" she questioned, a teasing smirk on her face.
Luna raised her eyebrows, shrugging.
"I'm just trying to be friendly, Seraphina. After all, he's in the same class as us. I thought it'd be a good idea."
Arthur, ever the peacemaker, nodded in agreement.
"I agree, Luna. Besides, learning from each other is another way to strengthen the team."
Evan, still recovering his breath from the run, cast a cautious glance at Seraphina, sensing the challenge but keeping his composure.
"I just wanted to see what you were doing, Luna. And… we ran into each other again, Evan."
Evan, whose posture remained steady, confirmed with a nod, keeping his response brief.
"Yes."
Not satisfied with Evan's brevity and apparent indifference, Seraphina decided to provoke him further.
"So, are you ready for another round, Evan? Or are you going to come up with an excuse to run away again?"
She taunted, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Evan, recognizing Seraphina's attempt to goad him, simply shrugged, avoiding the bait.
"I'm heading to the cafeteria," he replied in his calm tone, making it clear he preferred not to engage.
"Huh? You're ignoring me?"
Seraphina called after him, unwilling to let the conversation die so easily.
Luna, trying to defuse the situation, lightly patted Seraphina on the shoulder.
"Let him go, Seraphina."
Seraphina watched as Evan began to walk away, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation.
"Fine, then," she sighed, recognizing a temporary defeat.
—————————————————————————————————
After leaving the locker room, I headed to Spectra's cafeteria to grab something to eat before continuing my day at the car wash.
While picking up my food, one thought lingered in my mind.
'Why did Seraphina come to me again?' I wondered.
The mission to fight Seraphina was something I had done impulsively, just to earn the [100 points], but I didn't remember writing that Evan faced Seraphina this early at Spectra.
In my novel, she and Evan weren't even that close, and their first official encounter happened during the practical test.
'It seems that fighting her has changed some things in the story.'
"This isn't good."
Altering too much could disrupt the main events.
If I lost control, I could end up not knowing what to do.
"…Ah. Damn it," I murmured as I sat at an isolated table, away from the other students.
As I ate, I couldn't help but overhear the conversations around me—most of them about the upcoming practical exam.
Everyone seemed excited, some even nervous.
I, on the other hand, didn't care much.
I already knew what would happen in it.
While chewing absentmindedly, I noticed a presence seemingly observing me discreetly from a nearby table.
It was a girl with brown hair and intense eyes, her expression calm and gaze enigmatic.
She was tall by usual standards, and something about her stance suggested she was familiar with physical combat, similar to Kai. She carried herself like a hand-to-hand fighter.
For a moment, our eyes met.
She didn't look away immediately, and her gaze held a quiet curiosity, almost as if she were analyzing me.
After a moment, she averted her eyes naturally, as if she had merely been checking on something fleeting.
It wasn't common to find someone looking at me like that in Spectra, especially with such a neutral and… attentive expression.
I returned my focus to my plate, trying to ignore the feeling of being watched.
'Why was she looking at me?'
It wasn't the kind of casual glance people give out of curiosity.
I kept eating, but from time to time, I couldn't help but notice she was still there—silent and distant, not engaging with anyone around her.
There was something about her calm and solitary presence that felt… familiar.
She seemed like someone who also preferred to keep her distance, observing her surroundings in a reserved manner—much like I often did.
"Author's Note: Image"