Chapter 18: Secrets of the Hidden Library

The Trip to Relkar Municipality

Derek, Lila, Emma, and Kai set off toward Relkar City, one of the biggest cities renowned for its enormous collections of old books and secret knowledge, as the sun rose higher in the sky. After Derek's bizarre dream, they felt a great sense of urgency and knew that the answers they were looking for may be found in Relkar's legendary library.

Kai, who is known for keeping things lighthearted, smiled playfully as he marched forward. "Guys, let me tell you something—I've heard rumors about Relkar's library. There are rumors that they possess manuscripts with powers that might manipulate time or perhaps make you fly.

Lila gave an eye roll. Kai, you too held the belief in the mythical talking swordfish. What was the outcome of that?

Kai gave her a smile. Hey, nobody has disproved that it was fake!

Even with Kai's playful efforts, nobody else said anything. Derek was thinking deeply as he repeatedly repeated the mysterious words from his dream. Ever the strategist, Emma was already planning their next move once they got to the city.

Arrival at Relkar

Relkar City, with its tall spires and busy streets, was a sight to behold. Ancient stone monuments adorned in esoteric markings represented the city's position as a center of study and mysteries. The aura of magic pervaded the air, and Derek sensed the overwhelming might of the city's past.

The enormous Relkar Library stood in the middle of the city, its walls clad in ivy. When they got closer, Emma had excitement in her eyes.

Emma replied, "We need to concentrate on the task," as they walked inside the library's main hall. "Any information regarding the shadow entity, historical protectors, or systems similar to the one Derek saw in his dream is what we're searching for."

The library was enormous, reaching as far as the eye could see with rows upon rows of antiquated volumes and scrolls. Enchanted books hung in midair, while ghostly librarians glided soundlessly between the shelves, arranging the holdings.

Kai, obviously in awe of the library's magnificence, said, "I could get used to a place like this."

Derek prompted him to "remain focused." "There isn't any time to waste."

Uncovering the Past: The group spent hours poring over ancient books, decoding enigmatic writings, and assembling bits and pieces of prehistoric wisdom. Emma was the one who originally came upon a pertinent scroll, reading loudly and widening her eyes.

"Pay attention to this," Emma stated, gesturing to the delicate sheet. The Sentinels of the Veil are an old order that has been mentioned. They were thought to preserve the equilibrium between realms and defend our domain against beings that may evade reality.

Curious, Lila leaned in closer. That reminds me a lot of the darkness we battled.

Emma gave a nod. "It says here that the Sentinels relied on... selected individuals in addition to using special artifacts to seal away these entities."

"Selected individuals?" Kai's eyebrow went up. In the same way as Derek?

Derek's face grew serious as he contemplated the idea. Perhaps, but how come the shadow would especially attack us? Furthermore, why would the white figure assist us?

Emma read on, her voice becoming quieter as she went. Sometimes the Sentinels would operate in secret, even from one another. Layers of deceit concealed their genuine intentions, and access to the whole story was restricted to those who could demonstrate their merit.

An Avertance from the Past

Emma had hardly spoken when a ghostly librarian materialized in front of them, its translucent body flickering in and out of reality. The librarian spoke in a voice that reverberated through the hallways, her eyes glowing slightly.

The librarian said, "You seek knowledge that is forbidden to most." "The road you choose is hazardous, and the mysteries you discover might bring about your downfall.

Derek moved forward despite being warned not to move. We must learn more. We are not going to back down because there is more at stake here.

After giving him a lengthy look, the librarian gently nodded. Excellent. But be aware that forces far older than the Sentinels exist in this realm. One such power has already come into your path, and there will undoubtedly be others.

The librarian led the way with a wave of its hand to a secret area of the library where old books gave out a soft glow that revealed immense power. Seek out the need. However, be ready to face the repercussions.

An Unexpected Disclosure

Derek discovered a book that hummed with life as they dug farther into the secret archives. When he carefully opened it, he saw old symbols that appeared to morph and shift as he read.

His mind was suddenly overtaken by a barrage of pictures, including fight scenes, universes clashing, and individuals with incredible strength. However, one vision stuck out from the others: the white figure facing a black army that was visible beyond the horizon while perched on a cliff.

With his heart pounding, Derek said, "This... this is what's coming." "A battle of worlds."

Kai, Emma, and Lila crowded around him, shocked and worried emotions on their faces.

Lila spoke with a tiny tremble, "If this is real, then we're not just dealing with shadows or ancient guardians." Something we're dealing with has the potential to wipe out everything.

Emma's thoughts raced as she cobbled together what they had discovered. "The person in white—the one who rescued us—they are involved in this conflict. We are also in agreement.

The Impending Storm

The ground under them groaned a little as the truth dawned on them, and sinister energy swirled in the air. Derek sensed the darkness they had battled before; except, this time, it was more powerful and malicious.

With a quiet voice, Derek replied, "It's here."

The shadowy figure appeared in front of them before they could respond, its appearance taller and more menacing than before. With a menacing chuckle, it emitted a voice full of hate.

The shadow snarled, "You think you can escape your fate?" "You are pawns in a game that is much bigger than you are."

Kai moved forward, clenching his fists. "We've previously defeated you. We are able to repeat it.

The shadow, though, only chuckled. "Even though you've survived before, there's no getting out this time."

Derek had a burst of power—something greater and more profound than before—as the darkness rushed toward them. His thoughts were occupied with the images from the old book, and he was aware that the outcome of this conflict would decide their fate.

He looked resolute as he focused his energies, getting ready for the battle of their life.

Note from the Author:

In "Universal Ascension: The Path of the Outlier," Chapter 18, when Derek and his group unearth sinister secrets about their planet and the impending danger of a realm-to-realm conflict, the stakes are elevated. With fresh, newfound insights and a more formidable foe approaching, the quest for survival and mastery intensifies more than before. A thrilling chapter full of action, mystery, and emotional turns is coming up soon!