TRUE ABILITY Chapter 65

The Path to the Dark Side

With the arrival of night, I leapt out of my bedroom window.

And then I landed.

"...It feels kind of fitting," I thought.

Feeling the crunch of the turf beneath my feet, I swiftly moved across the grounds of the Flame estate. Just as I was about to exit through the gate, I felt a gaze fix on me as if it had been waiting.

Indeed, waiting was the correct assumption. In the night sky, a silver crescent moon hung low.

Its faint light barely illuminated the figure walking toward me. Clad in a pitch-black robe that blended into the darkness, their face was hidden, making it impossible to discern their identity.

"...I've been waiting."

But I recognized that voice.

"Fia-san? Why are you here?"

When I asked, Fia-san removed the hood that had been deeply covering her head.

Her long ponytail, which had been dyed black in contrast to the golden color I saw in the student council room, swayed gently in the wind.

"We were supposed to meet in the town of Kanna, but… that would surely be too late. For now, change into this."

She handed me a robe similar to the one she was wearing. As instructed, I slipped my arms into the sleeves of the black robe over my uniform.

Once I had changed, Fia-san turned her back to me, only glancing over her shoulder.

"...Let's talk for a bit. Follow me."

In an instant, Fia-san's figure vanished.

"Hey!"

She dashed off without waiting for a response. Running at such speed, especially on this dark night when visibility was poor is simply unfair. I quickly started running to catch up with Fia-san.

“...”

Running at a speed that seemed to outpace even the wind, Fia-san occasionally glanced back to check on me.

I thought I heard her say, "Impressive," but the sound was lost in the wind.

As the dark scenery continued to change rapidly, I noticed that Fia-san's speed, which could be described as lightning-fast, gradually began to slow down over time.Fia

"...I'm surprised," Fia-san said with a thin smile, now running alongside me.

"You have quite the legs. I'm a bit relieved."

"Thank you...?"

Though her words felt somewhat ambiguous, I waited for her to continue.

"...Let's get to the main topic. Yuno Astario."

Fia-san stopped at a small hill, hiding herself among the trees.

I was surprised to see a desolate town ahead. We were already near the town of Kanna.

"I have a few things I want to confirm with you. Just some simple questions."

Her strong, dignified voice and dark eyes prompted me to nod in response.

After a brief moment, Fia-san spoke again.

"Do you feel fear?"

It was a simple question but also a complex one.

I wasn't afraid of the dark side’s activities themselves. Even though it's just a trial, I have the resolve and confidence to carry it out.

The purpose itself was crucial. If it could reduce the possibility of danger to Kami-sama even a little, then this activity had clear meaning.

However, I did have anxiety about something that isn’t personal.

What if there really is someone targeting the stray gods...?

“…”

Even if it was only during the dark side’s activities, the fear of not being able to be by my Kami-sama’s side was real.

But—

"No, I don't."

I answered firmly.

"...What?"

Fia-san seemed slightly surprised.

But I reconsidered.

The butler of the Flame household, Claude.

And the divine beast, Pochi.

As far as I know, the Flame estate should be considered the safest place.

“…”

For a moment, the face of a pink-haired goddess flashed in my mind, but I dismissed the possibility. If Astaroth were the mastermind, there would have been countless opportunities for her by now. Considering how involved she is with the Flame family…

No, but...

"Sorry. Yes, I do."

"I thought so."

Fia-san nodded as I became increasingly aware of my growing anxiety.

However, I couldn't drag Kami-sama around with me during the dark division activities. I convinced myself that this tension was necessary for me...

"It's nothing to be ashamed of. That's normal. In the dark side, it's not uncommon for lives to be at stake. You should always have a sense of fear."

Her words, though not my true intention, were reasonable.

"But rest assured. As long as I'm here, I won't let any harm come to you."

Fia-san looked at me with determined eyes.

"And that includes what’s going to happen from now on."

"...From now on?"

Her words felt odd.

After all, tonight was supposed to be safe.

"Did Lloyd-sama tell you anything about tonight?"

"He said I'd be introduced to the dark side’s members. And of course, I'd be introduced as the new recruit..."

"...I see."

Fia-san muttered softly, looking somewhat troubled.

I couldn't quite grasp her emotions.

After a brief pause, Fia opened her eyes, as if reaching a decision.

"I just realized again how Lloyd-sama views you. It feels like I’m being indirectly reproached for being 'meddlesome.’ "

“…”

What was she talking about?

"Did I miss something?"

"No. But I feel the need to add details."

Fia-san looked straight at me again.

"Introducing you to the dark side’s members... Yes, that's correct. But to add more information, tonight you'll be meeting some of the most formidable members of the dark side, some ranked even above Lloyd-sama.—"

I felt the tension in her voice. Fia-san spoke to me as if savoring each word,

"They are the elites who are also known as the 'Numbers.' "