The Shadow
Initial Observation and Historical Connections
The earliest record of the phenomenon "The Shadow Above the Moon" dates back approximately 510 years, just before the Catastrophe of Salvation Shore. The Shadow was first seen when Safe Haven was just being settled. Only nine days after that night, the sky darkened, the sea was covered with a mist referred to as "the breath of the dead," and the first Overlords appeared.
This event is recorded as humanity's first great record:
"The moon's face darkened, then the world was stained with blood."
Before every subsequent major catastrophe—the 10-Year Wars, the Northern Migration, the Soul Fissures, the Collapse of the Dwarf Mountains—the Shadow was always there. Sometimes for only two seconds, sometimes for an entire night. But always with the same result: death, fear, and silence.
Unidentified Characteristics The Shadow does not consume light; it is born within the light. In every region where it is seen, death rates and natural anomalies increase disproportionately. Living beings react differently under the Shadow's influence: some become aggressive, while others enter a "waiting" state. Magic intensity shows a short-term "reverse flow" when the Shadow appears—meaning mana is drawn to the center, not outward from the sources.
They are trying to hide themselves from me:}
Some magic researchers believe the Shadow is not a reflection but a living entity connected to the moon. Others believe it is "a consciousness that devours the world's fears."
Current Situation (Year 550 – Safe Haven Incident)
In the 9th month of the 550th year (the Shadow Above the Moon incident in the "Carnival Fright" chapter), the Shadow was observed over Safe Haven for 10 minutes. 87 years had passed since its last sighting. During this period, low magic anomalies were reported in 14 different countries, and monster activity increased in 7 cities.
Observed effects in Safe Haven:
Monster attacks increased by 380% during the Shadow. Unexplained "vibrations" and "shadow passage" incidents occurred in the barriers. Some citizens used the phrase "someone passed through the light." 17 hunters went insane due to an unknown magic leak; most claimed to have "made eye contact with the Shadow."
The Council decided to conceal the incident from the public. The official explanation: "Mass Hysteria."
Known Hypotheses Astral Parasite Theory: The Shadow is the consciousness of negative magic energy gathered on the world's surface. (Supporters: Science Department, Chief Mage Azrael) Lord Pumpkin Head Connection: The aura frequencies of the Shadow and Lord Pumpkin Head are almost identical. Some researchers believe Lord Pumpkin Head made a pact with the Shadow "before he died." Divine Remnant Theory: The Shadow may be the undying shadow of an ancient being. (This theory is closed to the public due to the "Law of Irreligion.")
Final Assessment — Handwritten Note from Azrael Solarius
Dear Chief Hunter and my friend Thorian,
This will definitely not end well. We cannot control this situation. This is one of the rare moments in my life when I do not know what I should do.
(note added a few hours later) My first suggestion: immediately after the surviving candidates return, we must declare martial law and increase defenses. We must make deals even with the hunters who have been declared criminals.
News has arrived that the incident was also observed by other countries. The Empire is scared. We can get help from them. We may even have to try to make a deal with Sigrum in this situation, but this must be a last resort.
We must send envoys to the Great Light Dragon and the Ancient Dark Dragon. The Fairy King is one of the rare people who will understand the seriousness of the situation. There has been no news from the Elves for a long time—it is as if the earth has opened up and swallowed them. The Dwarves already live in isolation within the mountain and hate us.
We will need to make a truce with Natilius and protect our navy. Myrvana, Thalindra, Kryon, Aeloria, Arctevia, and other nations have not yet been contacted.
This feels like only the beginning…
— Azrael Solarius