The Place in Shadows

[Ever since birth, Art had been drawn to the unknown. Tales of the supernatural, whispers of haunted places, and the chilling thrill of ghost stories had always captivated his imagination. While other children feared the dark, Alex embraced it, seeing shadows as gateways to mysteries waiting to be uncovered.]

**And this is exactly what made him conscious of his powers**

[As he grew older, his fascination turned into an insatiable quest for adventure. From abandoned buildings to forgotten forests, Art chased the unexplained but never found the same excitement and thrill he had when he was 2 years old.]

....................................

One day, while researching some old books in his town library, Art stumbled upon a thick, leather-bound book. Pulling it out carefully, he blew off a layer of dust to reveal the title: "The Blood-Moon Mansion."

[Intrigued, he opened the book and soon became so excited by seeing the yellowed pages of it which had detailed illustrations and hauntingly beautiful script describing a legend -- a mansion that is hidden from the mortals and a place that is the ultimate encyclopedia of all the dark entities that ever existed.]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Finally, the day has come when I can visit the place I so much read about."

" It's so tough when Mom & Dad is at home. but luckily they are going to attend some business meetings today and not coming back for at least three days. This is the chance to see if the place really exists or not."

"Honey, we're going. Take care of yourself okay and be safe."

"Yes, Mom, and don't worry about me. I'll be a good kid."

"Now let's wait for the evening. Why? because it's only natural to find dark mysteries when it's dark."

[Art stood at the edge of the dense forest, holding a faded map that led him this far. The sun already sat down, darkness surrounded the whole place, and after going a little bit further a mystic fog appeared and seemed to cover the whole area. He took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.]

"This has to be it. The clues all point to this forest... The Blood-Moon Mansion should be just beyond these trees. If the legends are true, it's hidden from the world, cloaked in secrecy."

[The deeper he went, the darker it became, the trees almost seeming to close in around him.]

[After what felt like hours, he finally saw it—an imposing structure shrouded in mist. His heart raced as he stepped closer.]

" The Blood-Moon Mansion... It's real. And it's been waiting for me. Whatever secrets you hold, I'm ready to uncover them."

**Art entered the mansion and was quickly taken aback by his horrifically mysterious beauty. The roof-floor-garden-stairs, everything was just majestic. The mansion seemed almost alive and so was Arthur.**

"It's so grand. Everything is so mysterious but I am not here to see the beauty of it. I am here to seek the knowledge it holds."

"So, you've found your way to my domain, mortal."

[Out of the darkness emerged a figure, tall and imposing, with eyes glowing red. Wisps of shadow coiled around its form as if the darkness itself obeyed its commands. A menacing smile curled its lips, revealing sharp, glistening teeth.]

"What's your name little one?"

"Who.... what are you?"

{That's the first time Art felt true fear by an entity of a dark.}

(Chuckling darkly)

"I am but a shadow, a whisper in the night. You may call me Malgarius, keeper of secrets and guardian of this place."

"You seek answers, do you not? Knowledge of the ancient and the arcane."

"Yes, I do. I seek the truth."

"Truth is a dangerous pursuit, child. It can unveil realities beyond your comprehension."

"I am not afraid"

"Even though you're afraid of me?"

"Not anymore."

"Very well, brave soul. But know this: knowledge comes with a price."

[ With a sweeping gesture of its clawed hand, the demon beckoned Alex to follow as it glided effortlessly through the mansion's corridors. The mansion seemed to come alive around them, as hidden doors creaked open and secret passages revealed themselves with a whispering sigh. Ancient torches burst into ghostly flames leading the way.]

[They arrived before a large door carved with ancient symbols and runes. Malgarius pushed the doors open, revealing a vast library bathed in a blue-green glow. Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves lined the walls, their shelves stacked high with dusty tomes and ancient manuscripts.]

"Here lies the knowledge you seek, brave one. Within these shelves are secrets that have lain dormant for centuries, waiting for one such as you to uncover."

(Voice filled with wonder) "I... I don't know where to begin."

(Chuckling softly) "Begin where your intuition guides you. The answers you seek are scattered throughout these halls of wisdom."

"I'm searching for answers.....the truth behind my powers."

"Powers are your own. There's only truth about them and it dwells in you. they have the meaning of whatever you give them."

(Picking up an ancient tome) "What about this? It looks old... important."

 "Ah, that is the 'Codex Obscura,' a compendium of ancient entities and their stories."

"These creatures... they're real?"

"You are asking it after seeing all of these!"

"Ah, you're right."

"What about you, Malgarius? What role do you play in all of this?"

"I am just a keeper of knowledge. My purpose is to ensure that those who seek enlightenment are prepared for what they may find."

"Mal, how can I come here frequently? I want to gain every single drop of this great ocean."

"Well, I can help you with that. come with me."

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

[They entered a room full of ancient artifacts]

"here take this locket, Art. It will solve your problem. Whenever you want to come just put a drop of your blood in the jewel and imagine the place."

"Wait, I never said my name. How come you know that?"

"hahahaa! I know everything. Your name is nothing outside of it and do you really think it's just a coincidence that led you here to this place?"

"What?"

"You have yet to know many things little one. Now farewell, and I like the nickname you gave me."

"Wait, Mal."

[A bright blue light appeared and the next moment Art's in his room on his bed holding the Codex Obscura in his hand and the locket.]

"That was a blast."

"Now I have the key to unlock every single mystery...the way to know everything about the unknown......that's the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm so lucky."

[Unable to resist his curiosity Art opened the Codex Obscura. The words spoke of realms beyond mortal understanding, of beings that walked the thin line between myth and reality. Accounts of encounters with spirits, demons, and otherworldly entities filled the pages, each narrative more haunting than the last.]

**Art's heart raced with excitement as he delved deeper into the ancient text.**

Chapter I: The Veil Between Realms

"From the ancient time,there exists a veil that separates our world from realms unseen. Beyond this threshold dwell entities of varying forms and purposes, some benign and others malevolent. Among these are the demons, ancient beings of shadow and power, who traverse the boundaries of mortal understanding."

**The chapter continued with descriptions of rituals and rites used to summon the demon as well as warnings of the dangers of it.**

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The demon, Glacialus is a ruler of ice and can be found in broken castles, abandoned villas, or lakeside places.

Summoning a demon of his caliber ritual that incorporates elements of cold and frost. 

Choose a location where the energy of ice and cold is palpable, such as a frozen lake or a secluded snowy clearing. Arrange the candles in a circle around the space, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

Light the candles and the incense, allowing the fragrance to permeate the air. Stand at the center of the circle and recite a chant or invocation, calling upon the elemental forces of ice and frost. Focus your intention on the desire to summon and communicate with the demon of ice.

Pour the cold water from the silver chalice into a vessel crafted from ice or crystal, symbolizing purity and receptivity to the demon's presence. Place the vessel at the center of the circle, offering it as a token of respect and invitation.

Use the sigil of ice to draw a portal on the mirror or reflective surface, visualizing it as a gateway between worlds. Concentrate on the qualities of cold and frost, imagining the portal shimmering with icy energy.

Speak the demon's name aloud, calling it to manifest through the portal you have opened. Remain focused and attentive, maintaining a respectful demeanor as you await the demon's response.

After it appears, recite a binding spell or incantation, commanding the chains to bind tightly around its form. Use holy water or blessed ice crystals to purify the containment vessel, ensuring it is imbued with protective energies that prevent the demon from escaping.

Securely seal the containment vessel, ensuring no gaps or weaknesses remain that could allow the demon to break free. Mark the vessel with protective symbols or runes to reinforce the containment and ward off any escape attempts.

Invocation:

"From the depths of frost and ice,

I call upon your ancient might.

Demon of chill and frozen embrace,

I summon thee to this place tonight."

Binding:

"With chains of iron and enchanted rope,

I bind thee tight, deny thee hope.

Contained within this vessel pure,

Until thy will, no more endure."

Containment:

"Contained within this vessel strong,

 By my word, thou shalt belong."

Closure:

"By elements and circle's embrace,

 Stay bound here, in this space."

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[Monologue]

"The Codex has opened doors to realms I've only dreamed of, revealing a tapestry of truths and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Yet, with every answer it offers, more questions arise.

The rituals, the incantations—they hold power and peril in equal measure. I've glimpsed the essence of demons and spirits, entities that defy logic and reason. The responsibility that comes with this knowledge is daunting. To wield it wisely is to navigate a labyrinth of moral choices and cosmic truths.

And yet, despite the dangers, I am drawn deeper. The pull of understanding, of mastering forces beyond mortal comprehension, it's irresistible. Each page turned reveals not just ancient lore, but glimpses of my potential—a destiny intertwined with the very fabric of existence.

But I must tread carefully. The Codex warns of consequences, of unseen forces that may seek to ensnare or deceive. I must hone my skills, strengthen my resolve, and remain vigilant against the allure of power unchecked.

This journey is far from over. The Codex Obscura has become my guide, illuminating the path ahead with flickering shadows of both wonder and peril. Whatever lies ahead, I am determined to face it with courage, for the truths I seek are worth every risk."

In the quiet of his room, Arthur contemplated the weight of his discoveries, knowing that the journey he had embarked upon would shape not only his understanding of the world but also his place within it.