Chapter 17: Shadow
A swirling space gate shimmered in front of Noah, its colors shifting in an endless spectrum—beautiful yet ominous.
Unlike normal dungeon gates, which could be cleared multiple times, this one was different. A one-time dungeon. Once conquered, it would vanish forever. It's more dangerous but also more rewarding.
It was classified as C-rank.
And yet, Noah stood there unbothered.
He clicked his tongue. "Truly, my mother has issues."
Around him, a squad of knights and mages in Weaverheart insignia—a feline surrounded by flurries of snow—stood in formation. His mother had only allowed him to enter this dungeon under heavy protection.
But he couldn't have that.
"You will all stay here. Only Ester will accompany me." His voice was calm, firm.
The reaction was immediate.
"Young master, please reconsider—" A knight stepped forward, his voice laced with desperation.
"We promise not to interfere. Just let us keep our distance and intervene only if necessary," a female mage added, her deep blue hair swaying as she pleaded.
They weren't just concerned about Noah's safety. They knew. If anything happened to him, their fates would be sealed in ice.
And Noah knew that too.
But this wasn't about them. This was about him.
'I need to use my unique talent… and no one else can see it.'
His gaze flickered to his shadow.
'I'll have to ensure Ester's absolute loyalty too. But how?'
A soul contract? No. Too many loopholes. We never know. This world is unpredictable and his secret couldn't afford any risks.
"System, any suggestions?"
[Make her affection reach 100%.]
Noah raised a brow. "Why 100%?"
[At 100%, a person will be absolutely loyal. Their priority will be you—above all else.]
'Interesting… And where is she now?'
[Ester — 85%]
[Note: She finds peace in your shadow. She finds comfort in your shadow. But she believes she will always be just that—your shadow.]
Noah smirked. You want to be more than just my shadow?
He smiled softly.
His amusement faded as he turned back to the knights and mages still desperately trying to argue.
"You don't need to bother. My decision is final."
They stiffened.
"Didn't my mother tell you to make sure nothing happens to me?" Noah tilted his head, smiling.
"What a coincidence. Making sure nothing enters this gate… is also ensuring nothing happens to me, isn't it?"
And with that, he stepped through the gate.
The knights stood frozen.
"…Did we just sign our own deaths?" one whispered.
"…I hope you wrote your will," another muttered.
…
Inside the Dungeon
Noah landed in a dense forest, towering trees stretching endlessly into the sky.
This dungeon housed wolves. And clearing it meant one thing:
Exterminate them all along with the boss monster.
"Ester, how many ahead?" Noah asked.
A whisper came from his shadow. "D-rank wolves, with some at C-rank. Just ahead."
He nodded. "No plan needed."
With a sudden burst of speed, he shot forward, wind tearing past him.
Then, he spoke.
"Ester, you've been with me for a month now."
"…Yes, young master."
She sounded puzzled.
Ahead of him, a pack of wolves appeared. The wolves saw him and immediately run towards him.
Noah simply continued his chat without paying them any mind.
"You've watched over me, carried out my orders. Sometimes, I even tease you." A small smirk. "But lately… I've realized something."
His boots slammed against the ground. Ice spread instantly, freezing everything in a 50-meter radius.
The wolves—caught off guard—slipped, stumbled, their red eyes flickering with panic and confusion.
"I need someone I can trust. Someone who will guard my back without question. Someone who will know all of my secrets. Someone who will stay by my side… until the end."
Ester, hidden in his shadow, trembled.
Her heart pounded.
Noah's voice was calm, but his words were shaking her entire world.
"You are the only one I've considered."
Some of the wolves managed to get up, the C ranked ones and they charged, their claws gleaming and teeth sharp.
Noah didn't even glance at them.
"But I don't want you to just be my shadow, Ester."
He lifted a hand. Ice surged through his veins.
"I want you to be my companion. I want you to know my secrets—secrets not even my mother will ever know."
"But, are you ready for that ?"
The wolves lunged— BOOM.
Noah snapped his fingers.
A wave of frost exploded outward.
The wolves were thrown back, their legs frozen solid as they tumbled across the ice.
Meanwhile, in his shadow, Ester's mind was in chaos.
At first, she had been content just being his shadow.
But as time passed…
As she watched him…
As she stayed by his side…
Something changed. Some feelings started to emerge. And she wanted more than just being a shadow.
And now—now he was offering her more.
She didn't even hesitate.
"YES."
Her voice was shaky, raw, real.
"Yes, young master. I want it. I am ready. No one will ever know your secrets—not even your mother. I swear it."
At that moment—
[Ester's affection has reached 100%.]
[She is now absolutely loyal to you.]
Noah grinned. So I just needed to give you what you wanted.
"Perfect."
He raised his right hand—his mana surged.
The sky darkened.
Then—
CRACK.
BOOM.
Purple and silver lightning tore through the clouds.
It rained down, each bolt annihilating the frozen wolves below.
The forest trembled. The air crackled with electricity.
Noah stood in the center of the storm, lightning, purple and silver, flickering across his body, dancing between his fingers.
He exhaled, watching the devastation unfold.
Then he smirked.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
"…My lightning, I mean."
—End of chapter 17—