# Chapter 1: The Summoning and The Betrayal
The classroom was unusually quiet that day. Haruto Sakazuki focused on the cherry blossoms as they floated gently in the spring air. He sensed that everything was about to change. Little did he know how right he was.
It began with a small tremor that quickly intensified. It felt as if the air itself was vibrating. Books fell from shelves, and students exchanged nervous glances. Then, the world erupted in blinding white light.
When Haruto's vision cleared, he stood not in Classroom 2-B at Sakura High, but in an impressive throne room made of marble and gold. Gasps filled the air as his thirty classmates appeared around him, just as confused and shocked.
Before them sat King Alistair the Third on a decorative throne, his golden crown shining in the sunlight that streamed through the stained glass windows.
"Children of the Other World," the King's deep voice resonated, "you have been summoned to save our kingdom of Esteria from the Demon King's army. You shall awaken to powers of heroism to help you complete this important task."
One by one, the students stepped forward to discover their powers. Yuto received lightning abilities, Akari could heal wounds with a touch, and Kenji could summon a sword of pure light. The crowd cheered for each new development.
Then it was Haruto's turn. As he touched the magical orb, instead of glowing with golden light, it turned pitch black. Shadows enveloped his body as dark tendrils climbed up his arms.
"Black Shadow Magic!" a Court mage cried in horror as he stepped back. "The forbidden art! The power of the abyss!"
The King's friendly expression vanished. "Seize him! This power brings only ruin!"
Haruto's desperate pleas were ignored as the guards dragged him away. His classmates stood in shocked silence, some looking sympathetic while others expressed fear.
# Chapter 2: Cast Into Darkness
The trial was merely for show. No one listened as Haruto attempted to explain that this power was not his choice; it had chosen him. "He is clearly a threat to our kingdom," the King proclaimed.
"Though we are merciful," Alistair continued, "we shall not execute someone so young. But we will banish you to the Forest of Lost Souls instead. May the gods have mercy on your corrupted soul."
Guards forcefully pulled Haruto toward a massive stone gate at the edge of the kingdom. Beyond it lay a forest so dark and foreboding that just stepping inside felt like losing all hope.
"Please! I'm not your enemy!" Haruto shouted.
The lead guard sneered at him. "All shadow mages eventually become monsters. Consider this a mercy."
With a hard shove, Haruto fell through the gate, which slammed shut behind him. He found himself alone in a forest where sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, and distant, eerie cries echoed through the air.
The first few days were all about survival. He learned to use his shadow powers to fend off predators and create basic tools. The very powers that had condemned him now kept him alive.
On the seventh day, wounded and weak from an encounter with shadow wolves, Haruto collapsed near a stream, convinced his end was near.
# Chapter 3: The Golden-Haired Savior
Haruto awoke to the scent of healing herbs and burning wood. He found himself in a cozy hut, his injuries properly treated.
"You're awake," said a sweet voice.
He turned to see the most beautiful girl he had ever met. Her golden hair flowed down her back, and her pointed ears added to her enchanting appearance.
"I'm Lyra," she said, offering him a bowl of broth. "I found you near the Silverstream. You were in terrible shape."
Haruto flinched as she reached for him. "Aren't you afraid of me?"
Lyra tilted her head. "Should I?"
"My magic... it's shadow magic," he said, barely audible.
A sad smile came to Lyra's face. "Humans say many things. My people believe magic is neither good nor bad; it depends on the heart behind it."
Weeks turned into months as Lyra taught Haruto about the forest and how his powers could be used for good, not just evil.
"Your heart is gentle, Haruto," she told him one night by the fire. "Nothing dark can corrupt what is good."
# Chapter 4: The Truth Revealed
One day, while picking herbs near the forest's edge, Haruto and Lyra overheard two King's Guards talking.
"Another village rejected the King's protection," one guard said.
"The Demon Army will raid them by week's end," the other laughed. "Just like the last three villages that opposed the new taxes."
Haruto felt icy rage. It wasn't the Demon King who threatened them; it was all propaganda to strengthen King Alistair's grip on power. The so-called "demon attacks" were lies meant to eliminate dissent.
Lyra looked at him with understanding. "They betrayed you not because of your power, but because you could see through their facade," she said.
That night, Haruto made a decision. "I won't hide while the King harms innocent people," he promised himself.
"Then I will fight with you," Lyra said, placing her hand on his.
# Chapter 5: The Path of Vengeance and Justice
Haruto's training intensified. With Lyra's guidance, he honed his shadow magic. He learned to create objects from shadows, move unseen, and detect lies in others' hearts.
They didn't stay alone for long. Others misled by the King joined them—refugees, rebel soldiers, and even a dryad whose home had been destroyed by the King's attacks.
Haruto looked at the growing group of resisters before turning to Lyra, who gave him an encouraging nod. "We will expose the King's lies," he declared passionately. "Not just for revenge, but for justice—because the King has deceived and betrayed many."
As Haruto prepared to leave the forest, he whispered a promise to himself.
Haruto would return to his kingdom and his fellow citizens, but no longer as a rejected coward. He would come back as his own shadow, ready to reveal all their deceptions.
[And thus begins the journey of Haruto, filled with experiences as he fosters unity among humans, elves, and all magical beings, exposes the King's corruption, and builds a new society where all types of magic can coexist. All while finding love with Lyra.]