Chapter 5: The Silent Assassin
Aina's POV
The bandit we handed over to the guards is dead.
I knew it… I had this feeling earlier. Something bad was going to happen.
But for him to be killed so quickly, and in broad daylight… this isn't a normal bandit group. Someone powerful is moving in the shadows.
Aina: "…Haru, what should we do now?"
Haru is sitting at the small wooden table inside the mansion. He looks pale, still recovering from the transfer of my horns. He forces a smile, like he always does when he wants to hide his pain.
Haru: "What do you mean? We rest, eat, and tomorrow we start training with this… shadow thing."
The black aura around his hand flickers and then fades. His control is still shaky, but even in that unstable state… it feels overwhelming.
Aina: "…You're reckless."
Haru: "And you're stubborn."
We both laugh softly, though inside I feel the weight of what just happened.
---
Town Square – Night
The guards are still restless. The people whisper about the "mysterious boy" who defeated the bandit. Rumors spread fast, and with rumors come danger.
Inside the shadows of the alley, a man kneels before a hooded figure.
Assassin: "Target observed. The boy now carries the horns. He's dangerous."
Hooded Figure: "…The transfer worked. Interesting. So the goddess chose him after all."
Assassin: "Shall I eliminate him?"
Hooded Figure: "No. Not yet. Let him grow. When the horns consume him, he'll beg for release. That's when we take both the girl and him."
The assassin vanishes into the darkness, leaving only silence behind.
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Back at the Mansion
Haru: "Aina, tell me the truth. Why were those bandits after you in the first place?"
Aina looks down, clutching her stuffed toy tightly.
Aina: "…Because of my horns. There's an underground arena… they wanted me as an exhibit. A 'cursed goddess,' they called me."
Haru: "…That's disgusting."
Aina: "I thought if I hid here, I'd be safe. But now…"
Haru: "…Now you're not alone."
I can't help but blush. His words feel heavier than magic.
But before I can answer, the door rattles. Someone's outside.
Haru immediately raises his hand. The shadows ripple faintly around him.
Voice: "Open up! Guards!"
We exchange glances, both unsure whether to trust or prepare for battle.
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End of Chapter 5