The Extra System: Summoner of Shadows

Cedric had expected some entertainment from this lunch, but he soon realized that the king just wanted to show goodwill after what had happened. It was a gesture to ensure that the Kingdom of Aeloria wouldn't hold a grudge because of the incident.

Darius remained quiet, but his brother and sisters were chatty. Cedric knew these three characters from the novel, as the protagonist would interact with them later. His composed responses and flattery seemed to attract those around him. He was still conversing with the queen, who asked about his mother when his Charisma stat went up by one. Seeing his stats rise based on his actions made him smile.

But in the end, things got boring. The nobles of this world loved three subjects: magic, politics, and economics. These were the three pillars that influenced their power and standing, making them the focus of interest.

As their lunch was about to end, Cedric asked when he could return to Aeloria. Although the immediate matters had been resolved, he still wished to leave Valoria to finish his Secret Quest. 

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[Secret Quest: Trial of Shadows] 

[Description: Umbra is a world hidden in the shadows of Elaris. Those who obtain its key can participate in its trial, and those who survive can become the Shadeborn, one who walks in the valley of the shadow of death.] 

[Quest Location: Valley of Death] 

[Quest Goals:] 

[ - Enter the Trial of Shadows using the item you obtained.] 

[ - Survive the Trial of Shadows.] 

[- Become the Shadeborn.] 

[Time Remaining Until the Trial Begins: 13 Days, 12 Hours, and 32 Minutes.] 

[Quest Rewards: Unknown.]

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This was the secret quest he obtained when he acquired the black feather that Aric had. Although he didn't fully understand what the shadow of death or the Shadeborn was, he was excited to participate.

Cedric knew of every treasure that could turn a man into a dragon or a dragon into a man. He knew how to become stronger using his knowledge from the novel, but he couldn't simply snatch these treasures. The system itself demanded that Cedric ensure the story's flow, and if he disrupted it through his actions, a termination of his character was possible.

For this reason, Cedric needed a method that wouldn't affect the main plotline of the novel. This trial never appeared in the novel, and any mention of it was merely in passing since no one was able to complete it.

To survive in this world, Cedric needed such power, and he was determined to obtain it. It was also perfect since it would allow him to support the novel and ensure the story's continuity.

"Go back to Aeloria? Already?" asked King Thalric with surprise. "You have met nothing but unfortunate events since you arrived here, so I must insist that you enjoy yourself here in Ironheart."

Cedric remained silent, wishing to stay diplomatic. However, he wanted to break character again, just like when he had thrown profanities at the Hand during the trial. It had been satisfying.

"Can we be honest for a moment, Your Majesty?" asked Cedric. The king was slightly taken aback before setting down his wine cup and nodding. "We both know that what happened in Valoria is far from over."

"I will ensure that—" began the king.

"Please let me finish, sir," Cedric said as he set down his fork and cleaned his mouth. "The Hand is a resourceful man. I trust that you will see to it that he is dealt with, but his supporters in the capital are many, and the duke is the same. I've made two powerful enemies in this kingdom, and they will haunt me for the rest of my life."

"As long as you are in Valoria, I can protect you," said the king without offense at the interruption. His expression turned somber, and his children seemed taken aback by the shift in the conversation. "My domain is absolute."

"Nothing is absolute in this world except personal strength," Cedric replied with a smile. "If I don't grow stronger than my enemies, no amount of protection will last forever. Therefore, I have another request, one that I must make in private."

---

"And you demanded that I become your guide until you leave Valoria?" asked Aria as she pushed through the branches with her magic. "You cannot have the court mage running around the six kingdoms like this."

"The king said the same thing, but I knew you would agree," said Cedric as Ember slashed the branches before him, allowing him to walk unhindered as he followed the mage. "You don't want me dead before I fulfill my end of the deal, right?"

"…You are too cunning for a human," said the mage as she glanced at him from beneath her silver hood. Her violet eyes seemed to search through Cedric for any deception but found none. "I have no problem guiding you to the border, but I have a question first."

"Is it about the trial?" asked Cedric with a smile as they entered a clearing in the forest. Once they reached the other end of the grove before them, they would find a road that would be easier to travel.

"Have you used the skill, Oathbreaker?"

"Is the skill that common?"

"Rarer than a phoenix's feather. Morvask must have kept it hidden until this opportune time," replied Aria with a frown. "But I feel unable to see through your lies or truths. I can't even measure your strength, class, or level."

"Is that a big deal?"

"Not even the headmaster, the greatest mage to ever live, can hide everything like you are doing right now," said Aria with a shrug. "It's almost as if you aren't from this world—a figment of imagination."

"I like that name," said Cedric with a smile. She was right. The blessing he had as a passive skill seemed to prevent anyone from seeing information about him, lest he be exposed. "This is a legacy skill that I have awakened."

"It can only be that," said Aria with a sigh. "It still makes me uneasy to talk to someone without a face."

Cedric knew that she didn't mean a literal face but a figurative one. Aria had lived her entire life avoiding deception, so it was hard for her to trust his promise of breaking the divine curse.

But he was being honest.

The divine curse would restrict the dragon from achieving her full potential as a mentor figure for the protagonist. If Cedric could lift the curse before their fateful meeting, she would be able to prevent that 'incident.'

The world of Elaris was unforgiving. Even this forest, although close to Ironheart, was full of monsters that could kill Cedric in one blow. Aria was the main reason they hadn't run into them so far. She was a strong mage, and her draconic aura warded off any weaker monsters.

The protagonist of the story would not be as lucky to have her all the time. During his first year at Arcane Academy, he would suffer a tragic incident that would change his character. It would make him less trusting of others for the rest of his academic years.

Cedric wanted to change that detail of the story because it would hurt him in the long run. He needed to ensure the story flowed, but he also needed to address the protagonist's glaring flaws.

"This path leads us to the next city, and a few days of walking after that will bring us to the border. I can ensure that no one finds you until then, but I cannot accompany you back to Aeloria."

"Oh, our destination is not Aeloria," said Cedric. "There's been a change of plans."

"What do you mean, Your—um, Cedric?" asked Ember, who had been walking silently behind them. "Aren't we going back to the kingdom?"

"I have some things to handle before that," said Cedric with a smile before turning to Aria. "Have you ever heard of a place called the Valley of Death?"