CHAPTER 292: 292. SHADOWLINGS.

For generations, there was one thought that quietly haunted every catfolk family: What if I give birth to a blackcat?

It wasn’t just superstition—it was anxiety passed down like an heirloom. Giving birth to a blackcat was seen as a curse, not because the child was evil, but because the world had already decided they were an abomination.

Most ordinary catfolk didn’t hate blackcats themselves. They hated the idea of being connected to them, too afraid that simply mingling might "spread" the curse. Some swore it had happened before: two perfectly white-furred catfolk producing a black-furred child. In their minds, there was only one explanation: somewhere, somehow, the parents must have interacted with a blackcat. The same way, in livestock, two white goats might give birth to one with black fur, and village gossips would whisper: They must’ve grazed together... the darkness rubbed off.

And yet, the old songs and tales were different. Legends painted the blackcat folk as leaders, warriors, and protectors. One prophecy even claimed a blackcat would rise to unite the races, ending the fear that had gripped catfolk for centuries.

But when the blackcats were hunted down, nearly erased from the world, the prophecy became a bedtime story. A few hopefuls clung to the belief that some blackcats had survived in hiding. Those believers still visited the ancient palace of Velsvog—the blackcat ancestor whose name carried both reverence and sin. Thanks to the shadow magic he had placed on it, the palace never truly aged or crumbled. Each night, it drew on the surrounding darkness, using that energy to repair itself, so by morning it appeared as good as new.

The church called the place cursed. The goddess of grace’s bishops sent knights to destroy it countless times, but no matter how much was torn down, the palace always reformed by nightfall. Visiting it was dangerous; believers wore cloaks, kept their heads low, and spoke of it only in whispers.

Among these believers was a small group led by a fierce, beautiful blonde cat-girl. Once, her golden hair had reached her waist, but she’d cut it to her shoulders so it could be easier to move unseen. She and her friends weren’t just random followers. They were the Grimfangs: elite hunters respected across the kingdom.

Well, the girls were. The lone boy in their group was just a history nerd who adored Velsvog’s legend. He once claimed the blackcat ancestor was "the coolest guy in recorded history."

Tama could almost hear her smug ancestor laughing in agreement.

"Your Highness. Forgive our blunt tone and rudeness, but are you the one?" the blonde asked, bowing low from the floor while Tama stood high atop the head of a massive serpent.

Tama narrowed her eyes. "The one...?"

"Yes... the one who will lead us to a future where racism doesn’t exist?" another girl asked, her voice trembling with hope.

Her tail flicked lazily. They weren’t mocking her. These were genuine words from genuine hearts. It was a first for Tama to feel that way for other normal catfolks.

She cleared her throat, straightened her back, and without thinking, the words spilled out in full theatrics.

"Indeed, my descendants. I am the ruler you’ve been waiting for, the coolest in existence, and probably the most beautiful, too. Now bow before me!"

Her stomach rumbled. She blinked. "And... bring me snacks."

The moment hung for a second in silence, and Tama’s face soured. What the hell was that speech? Can’t believe l said something as cringe and dramatic as that!!

But then she remembered Velsvog’s blessing: Tama, my descendant. May the shadows obey your will... and may you carry this heavy, overcomplicated legacy with style and sarcasm.

Right. Style and sarcasm. Apparently inherited.

"With honor, your Majesty. We’ll serve you for as long as we breathe. I am Stella, leader of our group," the blonde said, pressing a hand to her chest.

"And I’m—"

Before the next girl could finish, Tama froze at a familiar chime in her head.

[Ding! You’ve acquired 6 Shadowlings!]

[To bind them to your service, you must grant them new names.]

"Shadowlings? What a weird name..." she muttered. Well, considering everything about this system, from its creator to how it even worked was strange, she really shouldn’t be surprised.

She looked down at the group. "I’ll give you new names—if you don’t mind."

Their eyes lit up. "Really, your Highness? You’d go that far?"

Tama nodded toward the blonde. "You said your name was Stella, right? Now you’re Estela."

Estela’s smile widened. "Thank you, your Highness. I’ll cherish this name forever."

Tgen suddenly, Estela’s left ear and hair suddenly darkened to black, her tail gaining an inky edge as well. With the change came a surge of mana because shadowlings could draw strength directly from the shadows, and now Estela could feel it flowing through her veins. Now she looked half blonde, half black. Tama smiled at her sudden transformation, kinda shocked, but she didn’t let it show.

"I’m building an army to destroy the man responsible for the blackcat extinction. Will you lead it for me? Estela?" She asked smoothly.

"I will accept with honor, my lord." Estela responded, adoring the new color of her hair.

"Good. Next—Stara, Silla, Stellani, Stelvia... and the male one, you’ll be Sylvester."

Great!! Tama thought. Now I’m just rhyming everything with Stella. How lazy can l get?

But the group didn’t care. They loved the new names.

"My tail! It changed!" Silla gasped.

"I feel stronger already!" Sylvester adjusted his glasses, grinning. "The Queen is incredible!"

"Feels like I could take on the whole kingdom!" another added.

Tama just smiled faintly. The system confirmed they couldn’t betray her now. Power, loyalty, and admiration—what more could she ask for?

Mother... Father... I will avenge you. I’ll end this racism. All catfolk will live free regardless the color of their fur.

Her thoughts shattered when the serpent beneath her dissolved into smoke, dropping her unceremoniously to the ground.

"Ouch—ouch—Rin! What the hell?!"

Beside her, Rin reappeared in demon form, completely naked and also landed hard on her ass. She blinked down at herself, then beamed.

"Tama! Rin is back to normal!"

"Yeah, but a little warning would’ve been nice!"

"Rin got warm. Rin turned back unexpectedly. Rin thought she’d be stuck as a snake forever."

Tama’s annoyance melted at Rin’s joy. She cupped the girl’s cheeks, smiling softly. "Welcome back."

Then she turned to her new shadowlings. "Food. I said I wanted food."

Silla bowed. "At once, your Highness."

Tama watched her walk off. "Where’s she headed to?"

"To the capital," Estela answered.

"Capital of...?"

"Felmora."

Tama’s eyes widened. "WHAT?...We’re in Felmora?"

TBC