THDK Chapter 7

Chapter 7: I Protected an Injured Monster in the Forest, So I Want to Bring It Back! (Part 1)

Since then, practicing magic for about an hour every day has become part of my routine. Zain taught me so carefully that within less than a week, I’ve gotten somewhat decent at controlling my magic.

I created a flame in my palm, then conjured another flame of the same size. The first flame was red, and the new one was blue. Right now, I’m practicing creating multiple spells at the same time.

“You’ve gotten pretty good, huh?”

“It’s all thanks to you, Zain!”

“As expected of me. But man, I was surprised when I heard you can use all elements except darkness. Well, I guess it makes sense for someone like you.”

Zain muttered something while juggling fireballs, but I was too focused on my magic to catch more than half of it. Still, I could tell he was praising me. It’s been about a month since I came to the Demon King’s Castle, but I still haven’t left this room.

I can’t go outside without Nox’s permission, but since this room has everything I need, I don’t have any complaints.

I can practice magic here, and the head chef even made a menu so I can have cake twice a week. I’d prefer it every day, but Nox scolded me, saying it’s bad for my health, so I’m holding back.

“Don’t you get bored being cooped up in this room all the time?”

“I’m fine. When I lived in the human town, I was in a much smaller, colder place.”

“…I see.”

Zain gave me a sad look, and just as I was about to ask him what was wrong, the door opened, and Nox walked in. He was carrying a long, slender box. I ran over, and he handed it to me. When he told me to open it, I placed the box on the table and began unwrapping it.

The moment I opened it, I felt a faint trace of magic and tilted my head in curiosity. Inside was a silver scabbard adorned with a blue sapphire-like stone that matched the color of my eyes. The intricate craftsmanship and delicate details took my breath away. When I picked it up, it wasn’t as heavy as it looked, and the texture felt nice in my hands.

“Is this…?!”

“That sword is dangerous. Keeping it sheathed will halve its power.”

“Hmph! Sealing my power is impossible. Sol, don’t listen to this fool… Whoa!?”

Oreole was saying something, but I was too eager to try the scabbard, so I sheathed him without listening. A satisfying click echoed as the blade was fully covered. It felt like the sword had finally been completed, its brilliance shining even brighter.

“Oreole, you look so cool!”

“Hmph… Indeed, my power is suppressed. But, well, this isn’t half bad.”

It seemed Oreole liked it too, which was a relief. I hugged Nox and thanked him. Though he looked a little flustered, he hugged me back. I love being hugged. It’s warm and comforting.

“Get away from him!”

“Come on, Oreole, why do you hate Nox so much?”

“It’s not about hate. That man is your enemy.”

I shook my head vigorously at Oreole’s words. Sure, Nox scared me at first, but I don’t feel that way at all anymore. I stepped away from Nox and gently stroked Oreole.

“Nox isn’t my enemy.”

“You don’t understand anything, Sol.”

“It’s okay if I don’t understand. I’m still a kid, and I’ll learn a lot more as I spend time with you and Nox.”

I smiled brightly. Nox patted my head, and Oreole sighed but didn’t argue further.

“Sol, do you want to go outside?”

Nox’s question caught me off guard. When I looked into his crimson eyes, he met my gaze directly.

“Can I tell you how I feel?”

“Go ahead.”

“Well… I want to see how the demons live. I want to see new sights that I can’t see from this room. I want to learn all sorts of things and become strong like everyone else.”

I’ve been carrying a lot of regret. If I had been stronger, if I could have used more powerful magic, maybe my brother wouldn’t have died. It hurt to be disliked by my parents, but losing my brother, who cared for me so much, was the most painful thing of all.

That’s why I don’t want to regret anything anymore. Nox has given me this chance to live. My hands might not be as big as everyone else’s yet, but I want to find things I can support and reach out to, things I can save. I feel like that’s the reason I was born.

“I see. Zain, Sol and I are going out. Tell the others not to interfere.”