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2024-10-29 19:42:56Arlo couldn't remember why he and Kieran couldn't chat as freely as they used to. When Kieran invited him to teleport to a garden on the palace roof, Arlo still felt a tangible awkwardness between them.
At a glance, Arlo knew Kieran had indeed changed. His sharp, luxurious attire for some important meeting or another, the magical aura surrounding his body, his nobility, his paternal demeanor... all of it was very unlike the Kieran from nine years ago when the man had adopted him.
"Arlo, you know I can hear your thoughts very clearly," Kieran whispered. The immortal man sat on a bench in the garden, looking weary as if he had just saved the world—which he had. "But I did bring you here to speak heart-to-heart."
Arlo quickly took a seat on another garden chair, trying to restrain his eye roll. Handling his own battles without anyone knowing, let alone assisting him, was equally exhausting.
"Before I returned to your room earlier, I had resolved not to let you go, Arlo," Kieran whispered softly. "You're my friend. You're the best son I've never had. You fight bravely, and you protect Lunabelle when I'm too busy. I'd be foolish to let you return to Rainvale."
"Yeah, you would be!" Arlo blurted out. Nevertheless, deep down, he was thankful Kieran wasn't angry even after he uttered those hurtful words.
Kieran smiled bitterly. "Until I reached that doorstep and saw everything in ruins," he whispered. "Until I saw you holding that ornamental sword, I changed my mind."
Arlo's eyes widened. "That..."
Dang, what should I say? Arlo thought in frustration. Should I admit I used that stupid sword to fight the strongest demonic angel in Hell?!
"Now, I'm not so sure," Kieran decided. "If being part of my family only causes you pain to the point where you'd rather return to death, I suppose I should let you go, Arlo."
Arlo shook his head. "Wait, you've got it wrong, I—"
"Besides, Lunabelle will go back to her rightful family," Kieran added. "Elios and Lana have decided to take care of her from now on."
"No way," Arlo whispered incredulously. "Then what about us?"
Kieran hung his head. "You just need to stay with me for one more year, Arlo. Next year, you'll attend Advanced Wizard Academy," he murmured.
Arlo stood up reflexively. His hands clenched tightly, mirroring the throbbing pain in his heart. "So, you're giving up just like that?" he protested. "Letting Lunabelle go with them?"
"We have no choice, Arlo," Kieran's voice was strained. "Elios and Lana are the King and Queen of Varidianth Kingdom now. Lunabelle's mother entrusted her to me to protect her from her cruel father! Besides, she'll be fine with them. I don't see what the problem is."
"The problem is me!" Arlo stared at Kieran with pain. "I care about her! I'm her older brother, remember?! I fought desperately to keep her alive! I can't bear to see Lunabelle separated from us!"
"But what if, it's what Lunabelle wants herself?!"
Arlo froze. He felt like he was standing on a speeding train inside a tunnel. Everything seemed distorted, and he couldn't trust anything he heard or saw.
"Lunabelle herself asked for this," Kieran repeated. "And once all of this is over, you will also be free to start your own adventure at Wizard Academy. That's what I wanted to tell you, Arlo."
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Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave 007 | Unique Joy
Although his life was upside down, everyone around him could still laugh and joke. So Arlo just sat in his chair, cutting through his steak with resentment."Oh my, Arlo, just relax!" exclaimed Lunabelle beside him, sitting upright and graceful like a sudden princess of Varidianth. "We should eat with gratitude and love.""Yeah, but my love already burned in hell," grumbled Arlo offhandedly. He began to eat, trying not to direct his frustration towards her."By the way," Lunabelle's hand groped the table until finding his arm. "I hope nothing changes between us, Arlo."Arlo softened. "Do you want to tell me the reason now? The reason why you want to live with Elios and Lana?""It's because," Lunabelle's voice faltered. "The weather in Remirer is always warm. I can imagine lots of stars at night, and blue skies during the day. It's so nice to stroll in the park with Cloud."Arlo chuckled, though not genuinely happy. "Alright. Weather is just one of Remirer's many perks," he murmured. "
Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave 008 | The Man Without Shadow
The weather in Umbravale was bright this afternoon, prompting Lord Xavian to invite everyone to enjoy the sunlight in the backyard. Knights practiced swordplay while servants lounged and chatted. This was the Nyxshade couple's desired homecoming celebration.After Lord Xavian returned from a brief swordfight with their family's best knights, Kieran said to him, "You owe me a lot of explanations, Father."Arlo, sitting leisurely with Lady Chandie, simply sipped his lemonade. Silent and observant, he pondered what Kieran's upbringing in this family was truly like. Surely it wasn't as flawless as depicted in paintings or recounted by the servants. There must be untold stories, not all of them pleasant."About what?" replied Lord Xavian as he joined them, taking his glass of lemonade and sipping it. With every movement, there was a dense magical aura that moved with him, indicating that the power he possessed far surpassed Kieran's.However, unlike Kieran, Arlo felt no fear towards the ma
Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave 009 | Searched for Someone Who Had Died
"I never thought you were the type of boy who enjoys hiding away in libraries and devouring a few books," muttered Lord Xavian as he entered the library.Arlo didn't look up from the thick Umbravale population data book he was reading, a book as thick as a bowl that had been unsettling him since earlier."Oh, so you're spying on my people," remarked Xavian. He sat in the nearest chair, crossing his legs. "If you're looking for the address of the girl you fancy at school, you should be reading the latest volume. Not that one.""If only it were that simple," Arlo grumbled inwardly. "No. I'm, uh, learning to become a good Nyxshade," he lied. "Since I'm destined to be the future Duke, who knows, right?""To become a good Nyxshade doesn't necessarily mean you'll make a good Duke," Xavian lamented. "Just tell me the name of the maid you're trying to find out about. I might know her family."Arlo set down his book. He was now gaping. "How did you know I was trying to find out about a maid?"
Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave 010 | Life Chronicles
As Arlo hurried through the streets of the small town, the magical pattern Azathan had painted on the back of his hand began to softly shimmer with a silvery glow. It was beautiful, albeit faint.Umbravale City continued to breathe. While across town, Kieran might be exorcising the remaining dead souls, the townspeople carried on peacefully in their homes, emanating warmth.Arlo tucked his hand into his coat pocket, feeling the night breeze whispering something peculiar to him. It hinted that in the darkest corners of this small town, the ghosts were hiding from the pursuit of hell. They wandered and threatened, perhaps content that neither witches nor sensitive children could sense their presence.No, that thought was mistaken. Moving nimbly through the narrow gaps between houses, Arlo began to feel that emptiness. The complex feelings severed upon death's arrival. Feelings of being sidelined and ostracized when life mocked.That's what Arlo felt as his steps led him to the grand hou
Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave 011 | The Haunted House
Azathan stood calmly before him. He appeared radiant and alive amidst the crumbling house's courtyard. His wings, as black as the universe, gently flapped on his back. Meanwhile, his feet hung steadily a few inches above the ground. His bare chest was covered with shimmering greenish bubbles where Arlo had once stabbed him.Arlo quickly drew a dagger from his coat pocket, but it crumbled into dust in his hands."You've just witnessed the Life Chronicles," murmured Azathan. His deep voice was smoother than the blowing wind. "Be careful, as long as you watch it, you become more vulnerable to attack.""Why don't you attack me then?" Arlo questioned.Azathan laughed, like an old chimney wheezing smoke. "Attack you at your weakest moment? I do not need such lowly deeds," he said. "But there's a wretched spirit in this place eager to do so. Just watch."Then, as swiftly as he had appeared, Azathan vanished in a cold red mist. Leaving Arlo alone in the courtyard of Darklake House. Or at leas
Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave 012 | The Darklake Twins
The attack came faster than a blink. Arlo sighed in frustration, then drew his ornate sword from the canvas painting, trying to conceal his disappointment at its fragile and rusty texture."If anyone else heard you say that, they might think I'm the villain here," he muttered. He weighed the ornate sword for a moment before pointing it at Riley. "But fine, as a gracious guest, I'll tell you why I'm here. I saw you this evening haunting Sheila and her baby's lives. Long story short, I want you to return to hell."Riley furrowed his brow. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. "Leave this place now if you want to leave in one piece."Arlo tilted his head, tightening his grip on the ornamental sword. "You realize I could quote you on that too, right?" he retorted. "I want you to leave this world and let Sheila live in peace."Suddenly, more swords appeared, swirling around Riley's head. Some were ornamental like Arlo's, but others were real. Arlo quickly noticed the superior
Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave 013 | Fight Alone
In a split second before the swords could touch his skin, Arlo raised his hand and shouted, "Wait!"Riley heard him and halted his attack, causing the swords to hover restlessly around Arlo like fireflies."I want to know why you're haunting Sheila's life! She hasn't done anything wrong to you!" Arlo exclaimed.Logan scoffed. "That's none of your concern, kid," he muttered. "You'd better head back to the Manor. We've dealt with you enough. Come on, Riley!"Surprisingly, Riley obeyed Logan, immediately releasing his swords to clatter onto the worn carpet. The twins then vanished, leaving Arlo alone in the haunted house.Arlo knelt among the swords, immensely relieved. Yet, there was one thing that left him dissatisfied. He still didn't know why Logan was haunting Sheila and harboring such intense animosity towards her baby. And he was genuinely annoyed that ghosts had telekinetic powers.After making peace with himself, Arlo walked home. Half an hour later, he arrived, embracing his br
Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave 014 | Sheila's Past
"Oh God, save me from the strange quarrels between my son and his son," grumbled Lord Xavian as he joined the breakfast table the next morning.Arlo purposely didn't look up, just scowling at his breakfast of bread, meat, fries, and a bit of melted cheese."That's why I believe our son shouldn't have children before marriage," murmured Lady Chandie across from Arlo, enjoying her breakfast while reading the newspaper."As I've said," Lord Xavian winked at Kieran and Arlo, "Adopting a child is a brave act. But dealing with their quirks post-adolescence requires not just bravery, but gentleness.""I'm tired of hearing your advice, Father," grumbled Kieran. "Clearly useless if the child won't even speak to you from the start.""Yep," chimed in Arlo. "Clearly useless."Xavian smiled knowingly and began eating his breakfast. "So," he muttered after the first bite. "Last night, did you go to Darklake's house or Silverwood's?"Kieran's utensils clattered onto his plate. He stared sharply at h
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016 | Logan's Side of the Story
Logan's youthful, alive skin contrasted sharply with the black shirt he wore today, causing him to stand for a long time in front of Sheila's house window, contemplating at lightning speed whether he should return home to change his clothes or simply muster the courage to knock on her door.But he could hear Sheila's singing inside the house, and her quick, hurried footsteps crossing room after room. Eventually, the girl exclaimed in frustration, "Gosh, Sheila! What were you thinking? Logan wouldn't care about anything you wear!"Upon hearing his name mentioned, Logan burst into laughter. Suddenly, the burden he felt on his shoulders disappeared. He promptly tapped on the tightly closed window. "Hey, Sheila! You're right, I don't care what you wear because you always look beautiful!""Logan?" The window leaf promptly opened, and Sheila gazed at him with her beautiful eyes. "Why are you late?"Logan smiled softly. "Sorry, I'm just like you," he muttered. "I stood here for five minutes
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As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, Arlo savored his tea. He tried to blend in, sitting beneath the pavilion, engrossed in a basic magic book. His keen eyes kept watch on every servant and gardener heading home.Unbeknownst to him, Lady Chandie entered the pavilion. She placed a pair of extraordinarily lavish and beautiful swords on his table."As you requested," Lady Chandie said, a faint smile playing on her lips as she took a seat beside Arlo. "A pair of decorative swords made from ordinary iron, yet sturdy and sharp enough.""Thank you, Chandie," Arlo muttered, swiftly tucking the swords into his sword belt. "As promised, I will duel Kieran with these and reconcile with him.""Of course, Nyxshade always keeps their word," Lady Chandie replied. "Besides, it's a fitting promise. Ever since gaining the blacksmith's magical powers, I've never made toy swords. My son even started using real swords as soon as he learned to walk.""Yeah, but I'm not your son, I'm your grandson,"
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014 | Sheila's Past
"Oh God, save me from the strange quarrels between my son and his son," grumbled Lord Xavian as he joined the breakfast table the next morning.Arlo purposely didn't look up, just scowling at his breakfast of bread, meat, fries, and a bit of melted cheese."That's why I believe our son shouldn't have children before marriage," murmured Lady Chandie across from Arlo, enjoying her breakfast while reading the newspaper."As I've said," Lord Xavian winked at Kieran and Arlo, "Adopting a child is a brave act. But dealing with their quirks post-adolescence requires not just bravery, but gentleness.""I'm tired of hearing your advice, Father," grumbled Kieran. "Clearly useless if the child won't even speak to you from the start.""Yep," chimed in Arlo. "Clearly useless."Xavian smiled knowingly and began eating his breakfast. "So," he muttered after the first bite. "Last night, did you go to Darklake's house or Silverwood's?"Kieran's utensils clattered onto his plate. He stared sharply at h
- Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave
013 | Fight Alone
In a split second before the swords could touch his skin, Arlo raised his hand and shouted, "Wait!"Riley heard him and halted his attack, causing the swords to hover restlessly around Arlo like fireflies."I want to know why you're haunting Sheila's life! She hasn't done anything wrong to you!" Arlo exclaimed.Logan scoffed. "That's none of your concern, kid," he muttered. "You'd better head back to the Manor. We've dealt with you enough. Come on, Riley!"Surprisingly, Riley obeyed Logan, immediately releasing his swords to clatter onto the worn carpet. The twins then vanished, leaving Arlo alone in the haunted house.Arlo knelt among the swords, immensely relieved. Yet, there was one thing that left him dissatisfied. He still didn't know why Logan was haunting Sheila and harboring such intense animosity towards her baby. And he was genuinely annoyed that ghosts had telekinetic powers.After making peace with himself, Arlo walked home. Half an hour later, he arrived, embracing his br
- Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave
012 | The Darklake Twins
The attack came faster than a blink. Arlo sighed in frustration, then drew his ornate sword from the canvas painting, trying to conceal his disappointment at its fragile and rusty texture."If anyone else heard you say that, they might think I'm the villain here," he muttered. He weighed the ornate sword for a moment before pointing it at Riley. "But fine, as a gracious guest, I'll tell you why I'm here. I saw you this evening haunting Sheila and her baby's lives. Long story short, I want you to return to hell."Riley furrowed his brow. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. "Leave this place now if you want to leave in one piece."Arlo tilted his head, tightening his grip on the ornamental sword. "You realize I could quote you on that too, right?" he retorted. "I want you to leave this world and let Sheila live in peace."Suddenly, more swords appeared, swirling around Riley's head. Some were ornamental like Arlo's, but others were real. Arlo quickly noticed the superior
- Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave
011 | The Haunted House
Azathan stood calmly before him. He appeared radiant and alive amidst the crumbling house's courtyard. His wings, as black as the universe, gently flapped on his back. Meanwhile, his feet hung steadily a few inches above the ground. His bare chest was covered with shimmering greenish bubbles where Arlo had once stabbed him.Arlo quickly drew a dagger from his coat pocket, but it crumbled into dust in his hands."You've just witnessed the Life Chronicles," murmured Azathan. His deep voice was smoother than the blowing wind. "Be careful, as long as you watch it, you become more vulnerable to attack.""Why don't you attack me then?" Arlo questioned.Azathan laughed, like an old chimney wheezing smoke. "Attack you at your weakest moment? I do not need such lowly deeds," he said. "But there's a wretched spirit in this place eager to do so. Just watch."Then, as swiftly as he had appeared, Azathan vanished in a cold red mist. Leaving Arlo alone in the courtyard of Darklake House. Or at leas
- Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave
010 | Life Chronicles
As Arlo hurried through the streets of the small town, the magical pattern Azathan had painted on the back of his hand began to softly shimmer with a silvery glow. It was beautiful, albeit faint.Umbravale City continued to breathe. While across town, Kieran might be exorcising the remaining dead souls, the townspeople carried on peacefully in their homes, emanating warmth.Arlo tucked his hand into his coat pocket, feeling the night breeze whispering something peculiar to him. It hinted that in the darkest corners of this small town, the ghosts were hiding from the pursuit of hell. They wandered and threatened, perhaps content that neither witches nor sensitive children could sense their presence.No, that thought was mistaken. Moving nimbly through the narrow gaps between houses, Arlo began to feel that emptiness. The complex feelings severed upon death's arrival. Feelings of being sidelined and ostracized when life mocked.That's what Arlo felt as his steps led him to the grand hou
- Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave
009 | Searched for Someone Who Had Died
"I never thought you were the type of boy who enjoys hiding away in libraries and devouring a few books," muttered Lord Xavian as he entered the library.Arlo didn't look up from the thick Umbravale population data book he was reading, a book as thick as a bowl that had been unsettling him since earlier."Oh, so you're spying on my people," remarked Xavian. He sat in the nearest chair, crossing his legs. "If you're looking for the address of the girl you fancy at school, you should be reading the latest volume. Not that one.""If only it were that simple," Arlo grumbled inwardly. "No. I'm, uh, learning to become a good Nyxshade," he lied. "Since I'm destined to be the future Duke, who knows, right?""To become a good Nyxshade doesn't necessarily mean you'll make a good Duke," Xavian lamented. "Just tell me the name of the maid you're trying to find out about. I might know her family."Arlo set down his book. He was now gaping. "How did you know I was trying to find out about a maid?"
- Ghost Slayer: His Charge From Beyond The Grave
008 | The Man Without Shadow
The weather in Umbravale was bright this afternoon, prompting Lord Xavian to invite everyone to enjoy the sunlight in the backyard. Knights practiced swordplay while servants lounged and chatted. This was the Nyxshade couple's desired homecoming celebration.After Lord Xavian returned from a brief swordfight with their family's best knights, Kieran said to him, "You owe me a lot of explanations, Father."Arlo, sitting leisurely with Lady Chandie, simply sipped his lemonade. Silent and observant, he pondered what Kieran's upbringing in this family was truly like. Surely it wasn't as flawless as depicted in paintings or recounted by the servants. There must be untold stories, not all of them pleasant."About what?" replied Lord Xavian as he joined them, taking his glass of lemonade and sipping it. With every movement, there was a dense magical aura that moved with him, indicating that the power he possessed far surpassed Kieran's.However, unlike Kieran, Arlo felt no fear towards the ma
