Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 238: Kai Nightshade

"Evelyn I taught you everything in dagger art, now I hope you would not sully the name of Nightshade Clan." a man in his late thirties said to Evelyn whose head was low toward the ground not meeting the eyes of man.

Evelyn raised her head and looked toward the man with hollow and lifeless eyes. "Yes, father. I will try my best not to embarrass you." like some kind of robot Evelyn said those words.

The man was in front of her father, Kai Nightshade. Evelyn's father had black hair with a few streaks of silver, revealing the signs of experience and wisdom. His sharp, piercing gaze spoke of a lifetime dedicated to mastering the art of dagger combat. His facial features were chiselled and well-defined, creating an air of authority and strength.

Evelyn's father, wore a traditional black attire adorned with subtle silver accents, reflecting the distinguished heritage of the Nightshade Clan. His posture exuded confidence, and his every movement was deliberate and calculated, a testament to his expertise in both combat and leadership.

Now, turning attention to Evelyn, she stood with an air of reluctance, her long, ebony hair cascading down her shoulders. Despite inheriting her father's sharp features, her eyes were a stark contrast – once vibrant and full of life, now dulled by a burden only she seemed to carry.

Her attire matched the clan's colours, a blend of black and silver, though her movements lacked the grace and assurance expected from a Nightshade. Unlike her father's composed demeanour, Evelyn seemed weighed down by something intangible.

Glancing at his daughter with his forest-green eyes, who stood in front of him distant look on her face, Kai could not help but let out a small sigh.

"Even if your main weapon is a bow I expect you to have mastery over dagger art too, do you understand?"

"Yes, Father. I understand." Like before Evelyn replied in an emotionless voice.

There was silence in the vast hall of the Nightshade clan as both fathers taught stairs at each other. One with a calculating look while the other with emotionless eyes.

"Portal is ready for Nova Academy you can go now." Evelyn's father was the one to break the unshakeable silence.

"Then I will get going now. Have a great day father." Saying that Evelyn nodded her head and started to walk toward exist of a vast hall.

"Wait a minute!" Just as she reached the exit, Her father said. Turning her head back toward Kai, Evelyn said,

"What is it, Father?"

Locking his eyes with his daughter, Kai said with disdain in his voice. "I heard that rat kid what was his name again? Ah! Right, Lucas. I heard he has also managed to get into the Academy. Have you kept in contact with him,?"

Evelyn flinched at the name of Lucas, in her lifeless eyes hint of life could be seen. This of course didn't go unnoticed by her father.

Realising that she had lost her composer Evelyn quickly hid her emotion.

After the moment she opened her mouth, "Of course I have not, Father. After what he has done to me I would never talk to him."

Evelyn lied, Of course, Kai already knew that she was lying to him and Evelyn's father raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze unwavering. "Remember, Evelyn, the Nightshade Clan values loyalty. Betrayal is a stain that can't be easily washed away. Make sure your actions align with our principles."

Evelyn nodded, a mix of guilt and defiance flickering in her eyes. "I understand, Father. Loyalty above all else."

As she left the hall, Evelyn couldn't shake off that something was wrong with this question, Her father had never asked about Lucas in those two years but now he was interested in him.

'Something is wrong.'

The corridors of the Nightshade Clan echoed with her footsteps, each step carrying the weight of her unresolved feelings.

Outside, a mystical portal awaited her journey to Nova Academy. The swirling energy of the portal seemed to mirror the turmoil within Evelyn. Stepping through, she found herself at Nova City train station, surrounded by the bustling atmosphere of aspiring students eager to prove themselves.

***

Back at the vast hall of the Nightshade clan, Kai was staring at the exit at which his daughter left.

After what felt like an eternity, Kai opened his mouth and said, "You can come out now."

-Swoosh!

A figure wearing a black mask with a black colour cloak appeared in front of Kai.

"Master." Black clock individual said as he kneeled to Kai. With a bored expression on his, Kai said.

"Tell me what you replace about Lucas after telling him for two weeks."

"Of course, Master." The individual said as began to explain what he found about Lucas after telling him two weeks.

"Lucas had killed three people who tried to kidnap his sister, the names of these people are Caster, Alex, and Jeena. They belonged to a third-rate gang..."

"Stop!" At Kai's Word, the individual stops himself. Kai closes his eyes and lets out a small smirk.

'So now he has the guts to kill people huh? He is Completely different from the last time I met him.'

"Start talking."

The individual nodded his head and began. " I also found out that he had Healberry fruit that was said to cure all the illnesses and curses in the world. He also created a mercenary group, which is called 'Shadow Reapers'. At the moment there are only two members of the group Lucas and the format gang leader of the black colour gang, Jonathan. "

"Three days ago Lucas at Evergreen Clan at Sylnwood city. I'm sorry master I can't follow inside of him at Clan because if I did then I would instantly be caught by the clan head himself, Dereck Evergreen."

Kai listened intently, absorbing the information about Lucas's recent activities. A complex mix of emotions crossed his face as he processed the details.

"Lucas has certainly taken an unexpected turn," Kai mused, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "The Shadow Reapers, a healing fruit, and involvement with other clans. Interesting developments."

Kai's interest deepened, a thoughtful expression replacing his initial disdain. "Keep a close eye on Lucas. Report any significant changes or encounters. We need to know how he evolves."

"As you command, Master," the cloaked figure responded, disappearing into the shadows with a swift bow.

"Now let's start some work that is left unfinished." Saying that Kai put a full black mask on his face, and his clothes instantly changed as he slapped his hand.

Now he was wearing the same cloth black colour individual but there was one different thing.

There was the logo of 'New Sun' Organization.