The hallway was cold. Eiden's breath made small clouds in the air. He stood alone in the old part of the academy. It was dark. No torches were lit. The stone walls were cracked and full of dust. Every step he took made a soft echo.
He looked around. This was his third night exploring. He had heard the whispers. Students talked about the Crimson Library. A place buried deep under the capital. A place full of forbidden magic.
Eiden touched the wall with his fingers. It felt strange. Like something was watching him from behind the stone. He pressed forward. His black cloak swayed behind him.
"This should be the spot," he whispered.
He knelt down and tapped a brick on the floor. One... two... three. The third brick made a soft clicking sound. A low rumble shook the hallway. Slowly, a secret staircase appeared, leading down into darkness.
He took a deep breath and stepped down.
---
The stairs were narrow and deep. After what felt like forever, he reached the bottom. A large door stood before him. It had no handle. Only old symbols carved into its surface. Symbols that made his heart beat faster.
"These are mine... my runes," he said softly.
He placed his hand on the door. The runes glowed. A warm light spread through the stone. The door opened slowly, letting out a breeze of old, dusty air.
Inside was a giant hall. Shelves of books, broken magic tools, and strange crystals lay scattered. The Crimson Library.
Eiden stepped inside. His eyes scanned everything. It was old, ruined, and quiet.
Then he saw it. A small desk. On it was a torn notebook.
He walked closer. Picked it up.
"This... is my handwriting."
He flipped through the pages. It was a magic formula. A spell he had written in his past life. Forgotten by the world. Remembered only by him.
His hand trembled. He sat down at the desk and began reading. Hours passed. He didn't notice.
He was home.
---
Up above, in the dormitory, a girl sat by her window. Elara.
She looked outside. It was late.
"Why is he always gone at night?" she whispered.
She closed her book and stood up.
"Tomorrow... I follow him."
---
Back in the Crimson Library, Eiden stood again. He raised his hand. A small light formed at his fingertips. Not just light magic. But something more. It danced like a sword.
He swung it slowly. The air bent.
"Magic and sword together..." he said.
He smiled.
"Let them try to stop me."
From the shadows, a single eye watched him.
The secrets were no longer safe.