For I Am A Side Character - 113: A Visit to the House of Shadows

With Soril taking along Jessica to the hidden school of the House of Shadows, out as they passed through the trees with each and every second passing by, Soril’s heart was beating to the pressure of the animosity of his situation.

“…” Although he tried his best to calm himself and act as stoic as possible, he couldn’t help but wonder as to why Brother Cecil and a few other people came to meet him this day out of all days…

Since the day he revealed his identity to the House of Shadows, not once has he yet faced his master head on. And because of this, his insecurity to the situation was clearly sounded.

Along with Soril and Jessica riding inside the black ominous car, the woman dressed in a black suit also came along to ride with them.

In the availability of the situation, the woman simply observed Soril’s presence as a whole.

‘…Hmm, its strange. No matter how I look at it, he doesn’t give off the kind of vibe I was expecting. And more than anything, he’s nervous. Was he really responsible for taking out one of the fallen?’

She had doubts about Soril’s strength. Despite how its seen, she didn’t know that Soril had sealed his strength to that of a moderate A-ranker. So to her, he was weaker than she could have imagined.

But she didn’t want to doubt herself more than she already does…

So she decided to talk and get out as much information as she could before they could arrive at the base of the mountain.

“…Its finally good to meet the boy who was capable of tearing open a strong enemy considered by the clan. I expected you to be older…but nonetheless, your eyes are expressing your strength more than enough.” said the Woman as she tries to praise Soril, but all it did was turn his gaze ever so cautious to the woman.

“…” his disinterest towards her was all that was showed in that moment.

“And if I could say it again, We’re sorry that one of our companions attacked you out of the blue. I’m sure you could have easily taken care of him, but nonetheless, it was our fault.” she said, but in truth, she gave that order simply to test his skill…and yet with doubt, the result he showed back then was not enough to fully convince her of his strength.

“…What branch are you?” asked Soril as his tone spoke of authority.

“…Oh yes…umm, we’re the 10th branch of the house. I apologize for not greeting myself earlier, but my name is Felis, the right hand of the 10^th branch.” she said.

“…What reason did you have for coming to meet with me?” he asked as he sounded irritated.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t have the authority to speak of the situation in front of an intruder.” she said as she clearly indicated Jessica who sat next to Soril.

“W-what’s going on?” asked Jessica as she looked worried.

Not once has she seen Soril in such an agitated position before. His expression clearly spoke of rage and annoyance…

“I’ll explain later…” he said as he tried to assure Jessica.

And to his words, Jessica could tell just how conflicted Soril was at the moment. It was clear to her that he didn’t want her to find out about his second life…

The sheer guilt in his expression said it all.

“…” from then on, they simply drove in silence…

And when they finally arrived, Jessica noticed that they were now at the next town over from the City.

Once they stopped at the foot of the mountain, Jessica quickly noticed where they were…

“…Is this a temple?” she asked as she recognized the kind of architecture designed around the base of the mountain’s steps.

“…No, it’s a school.” said Soril as he handed his open hand to Jessica. It was here, that he wanted to hold her hand as a security…

When Jessica reciprocated that act by holding his hand tight, they started walking up the stairs…

“…You never told me that you went to another school?” she said as they walked.

“This place is a secret held against the world. If it was a known school, the world would have been flipped on their sides.”

“What does that mean?” she asked.

“It means that this place is dangerous…and no normal person can ever survive if they took their step into this mountain.”

“Why?” she asked.

“Because the people who learn their ways in this school are monsters…” he said.

“…And you go to this school?” she asked.

“…Yes.” he said.

From then on, they walked up the stairs…and as they came closer and closer, Soril started to notice more presences up in the school.

“…What’s going on?” asked Soril to his Brother as they got closer and closer to the entrance.

“…They came here all for you. Be ready for whatever comes your way.” he said.

When they finally approached the entrance…

Soril was meet with a dozen people standing around the school’s yard.

“…Are they all part of the house of Shadows?” he asked.

“Yes…be alert.” said his brother.

The moment he stepped in, all but immediately, the people turned their gaze to him. And what followed was the silence that simply showed caution to his existence.

No murmurs were made…

Only the silence that befits the title of the house of Shadows.

With his step forward, he could tell just powerful the people were that stood before him. If he could evaluate it well enough…some were strong enough to even reach an S-rank’s level…

But none of them were strong enough to compare against his brother…

With each step he took, the more he could feel their eyes on him, but he didn’t let it get to him. He simply maintained his focus upfront and continued on walking until he finally arrived at the front where his master sat on his knees.

“…Master, its been a long time.” he said as he bowed in respect.

“It has my boy.” said Master Yagami as he smiled at the comfort of finding his student in good health.

“Why have you called for me?” asked Soril as he stood with anticipation.

“Hmm, that may come in time, but first, may I ask who it is that stands behind you?” asked his master as he pointed to Jessica who hid behind Soril’s back.

“…Her name is Jessica… She’s my partner.” he said as his grip around her hand loosened a bit.

“Ah, I see…good to see that you have been living well to find such a beautiful girl to hold your hand.” he said. And despite his blindness, he can tell all but immediately that Jessica was a good person.

“Thank you master.” said Soril.

“May I have her hand to hold? I would like to see the fate bonded into her soul…” he said in request of Jessica’s attendance.

“…Ah…right.” it was here that Soril remembered about his first time coming to this school. His master had the capacity to look into the fates of some people…and because of this, he had Jessica walk forward.

“…Um, is it alright?” asked Jessica as she was nervous.

“…Its okay. Trust my master.” said Soril.

From there, Jessica slowly approached his master and with Master Yagami’s hand out in reach, Jessica slowly placed her hand to have it read.

In that moment, Master Yagami closed his eyes and started reading through the very lines of her palm…and to this notion, he flinched.

“!?”

“Master, are you okay?” asked Cecil as he looked worried.

“…I am. I was simply amazed to see what was bestowed in her future.” he said.

“What did you see master?” asked Cecil.

“Hmm, I will tell in due time. For now, Soril…follow me inside the house.”

From there, Master Yagami stood up and started walking inside.

And from this, Soril, Jessica and Cecil decided to follow by. Everyone else was not invited inside.

***

“Do you know why they came here?” asked his master.

“For me…”

“Indeed. They simply wish to know what your affiliation is and if ever it was the truth that you spoke beyond your words.” said his master.

“Hmm, that’s not really up to me on whether or not they believed my actions. Its their choice to decide. I don’t have anything to prove otherwise.” said Soril as he denies their sole reason for coming here.

“…Please be reasonable Soril, I know for a fact that you don’t lie, not in this case at least.” said his master.

“But to show that the house can trust you outside of our school, you must prove your loyalty. You must act on the truth.” added his master.

“…Master is right. Because of your actions, its simply hard to believe that you were able to do what seemed like an impossibility at your age.” said Cecil.

“My age didn’t mattered when I did what I had to do! And as for my loyalty, I proved it. Every single time I came to this school, that in it of itself was my loyalty to the both of you.”

“We know…but these people outside our school doesn’t know you. Trust us…this will all go away once you prove yourself to them.” said Cecil.

“…” Silence was all that Soril could muster in his contemplation.

“…Once you prove your skill and your loyalty to the entirety of the house, you will forever be granted peace. This I promise you.” said Master Yagami.

“…fine, what do I have to do?” he asked as he finally accepted the needed action to take.

“Follow us, we’ve decided that the best way to prove your loyalty was with the audience of the greatest power in our house.”

“The greatest power? Who is it?” asked Soril.

“…You will recognize him in time. Follow us into the deep chambers.” said Cecil.

From there, it was announced that Soril would face a grand being…

As he prepared himself for what was to come, he saw Jessica by the side of his eye. There she was in the corner of the kitchen, sitting by herself as she wondered about the current situation that she was placed on.

Jessica sat quietly in the corner of the room, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of the situation. The dimly lit space, with its wooden beams and tatami mats, was a stark contrast to the world she was familiar with. The air was thick with an unspoken tension, and every creak of the floor seemed to echo with the weight of history and power.

She watched Soril as he spoke with Master Yagami and Brother Cecil, noting the way his posture stiffened and his voice grew more serious. This was a side of him she had never seen before—commanding, focused, almost distant. It was clear that this place, this House of Shadows, held a significance far beyond what she had imagined.

‘What have I gotten myself into?’ she wondered, her heart pounding in her chest. She had known Soril for a while now, had fought beside him, trusted him with her life. But this…this was different. The secrets he had kept, the hidden depths of his life, were more than she had bargained for.

The very air of the dojo seemed to hum with power, a silent reminder that she was out of her depth. Soril had mentioned that this place was dangerous, that it was a school for monsters. But what did that make him? A monster too? And if so, what did that make her, standing by his side?

Jessica’s thoughts churned as she tried to reconcile the Soril she knew with the one she was seeing now. He had always been strong, but this strength was something else entirely. It was born of something deeper, something darker, and it scared her. But more than fear, there was a gnawing sense of uncertainty. She wasn’t sure if she belonged here, if she could keep up with the world Soril was a part of.

‘Maybe I should have stayed behind.’ she thought, the idea of running back to the familiarity of their old lives tugging at her. But then she looked at Soril again, saw the way he glanced at her from the corner of his eye, and the doubt faded. He needed her, even if he didn’t say it. Even if he couldn’t.

From that sense of longing alone, it gave Jessica the sense of what she needed to do.

‘Be strong…no matter what it is, I will always trust Soril. ’

When Soril noticed that Jessica was by herself, he came to her with his easy steps and he sat in front of her. The moment he did, he claimed the nervous hands that Jessica was seen fidgeting over.

Jessica felt the warmth of Soril’s hand enveloping hers, the tension in her chest easing slightly as he sat before her. His presence, steady and reassuring, made her feel less like an outsider in this strange, intimidating place.

“…I’m sorry that I had to involve you in something like this.” Soril said, his voice tinged with regret.

Jessica shook her head, a soft smile forming on her lips despite the uncertainty swirling around them.

“It’s okay… Whatever it is that you’re trying to resolve, I’ll be here for you.”

The sincerity in her words was palpable, and Soril’s grip tightened as if drawing strength from her resolve. “I promise that I’ll tell you everything…just not now.”

Jessica nodded, understanding the weight of the secrets he carried. “Okay… I’ll wait,” she replied, her smile widening just a little. There was comfort in the promise, in the unspoken bond that had formed between them amidst the chaos.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the world around them fading into the background. The only thing that mattered was the connection they shared, a silent vow to stand by each other no matter what. From there, Jessica felt the fear in Soril’s heartbeat.

she remembered then the conversation they had with one another…

fear can never be destroyed…but it can be embraced…

Realizing that it wasn’t just her who was afraid…the man who she loves dearly was also afraid… knowing this, she squeezed his hand, her earlier doubts fading into the distance. They were in this together, and whatever came next, they would face it as one.