BLACK CLOVER:The singularity mage

Chapter Title: "A Smile Beyond the Shadows – Grim's First Rest"

Location: Royal Capital – Late Morning

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A New Dawn – Grim's Inner Resolve

Grim stood quietly at the balcony of a high tower within the Royal Capital. His red blood eyes scanned the sky, golden sunlight streaming across his face and catching in his golden hair. The wind ruffled his cloak.

"I've carried so much," Grim thought, "Pain, hatred, regret. My past lives, the torment, the seed of despair buried in me—whatever it is, I won't be ruled by it."

He took a deep breath and let it go.

"I'll move forward. I'll live. Not just survive. I'll laugh. I'll rest. I'll find peace in this world."

For the first time, he let the dark chains in his heart loosen. The pain would never fully vanish, but he didn't need to drag it like a corpse behind him.

He smiled—genuinely—and walked down into the city streets, alone.

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A Royal Stroll – A Break for the Soul

The Royal Capital was alive with summer spirit. Children ran with wooden swords, vendors called out their goods, and the smell of fresh bread drifted in the air.

Grim, still young and radiantly striking with golden hair and red eyes, drew attention—but he didn't care. For once, the looks weren't fear or pity.

They were admiration.

"Look! Is that the new prodigy from the Magic Knights?"

"He's even more beautiful in person."

"He looks like a young king!"

He smiled softly and kept walking.

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The Silver Garden Incident

On the edge of the capital was a quiet garden near House Silva's estate. Grim wandered into it, eyes glowing as sunlight glistened off the silver-leaved trees.

But then—

"Noelle, you're a disgrace! Walking with him like you belong here?"

Solid.

Grim paused near a fountain and turned.

Solid stood across the garden, sneering, hands on hips.

"You embarrass our name—running around with a commoner orphan like him."

Noelle trembled, fists clenched.

"I—he's not—"

Solid stepped forward, mana pulsing. "I should remind you of your place."

"Try it, and I'll snap your spine."

A voice like ice.

Nebra.

She stood between them, arms folded, eyes glaring daggers into Solid.

He blinked. "Nebra?"

"I don't recall asking for your mouth today. If you can't speak like a noble, don't speak at all."

Solid hissed and stormed off.

Noelle looked at her, stunned.

"I didn't need your help," she muttered.

"Clearly," Nebra said, brushing past her, "but I helped anyway. You're welcome."

She shot a brief glance toward Grim—her eyes lingering a moment too long.

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Grim and Noelle – A Moment of Peace

Grim turned to Noelle as they exited the garden together. The golden light haloed around him, his golden hair tousled in the breeze.

He smiled—warmly, effortlessly.

Noelle's heart skipped.

"H-He looks like… like someone out of a story…"

His red blood eyes shimmered—not from anger or sorrow—but joy.

He ran ahead to a merchant. "C'mon, Noelle! These caramel apples are legendary!"

"I—I'm coming! Don't run off, idiot!"

But she smiled, clutching her cloak.

"Why does my heart race when I look at you?"

Grim bit into the apple and laughed. "Too sweet! Try it!"

He offered one. She hesitated, then took a bite from his hand.

She froze, lips brushing where his had been.

Her face turned crimson.

"H-Hey! Don't do that so casually!"

He just smiled again, radiant and carefree.

It was the kind of smile that came not from strength or power—but from peace.

A smile that promised hope.