Chapter 57: The Whispering Shadows

The candlelight flickered as Eren stared at the pendant in his palm. The name Shadow's Veil haunted his mind, and the system's warning about activating a beacon unsettled him. Who would be alerted? Was it the woman he had met, or was there something far more dangerous lurking in the dark?

A cold wind swept through the academy grounds outside, rustling the leaves of the ancient trees that bordered the dormitories. The night felt heavier than usual, as if something unseen was watching. Eren pushed the thought aside, focusing on what lay ahead.

He needed answers, but rushing in blindly wasn't an option.

---

A Cryptic Message

The next morning, Eren woke to find a small, folded note slipped under his door. His senses immediately sharpened, and he scanned the hallway before picking it up.

We are watching. Do not delay.

There was no signature, no clue as to who had sent it. A chill ran down his spine. Someone knew about the pendant. Someone knew about him.

His mind raced. Was it the woman from before? Or had another faction taken notice? He clenched his jaw. The academy was supposed to be safe, but the truth was clear—no place was truly secure.

He burned the note in the candle's flame, watching as the ashes scattered into nothing.

---

The Hidden Library

Determined to uncover more about Shadow's Veil, Eren sought out the academy's restricted library, an underground archive filled with ancient records. Normally, only high-ranking students and professors were granted access, but Eren had learned to navigate the academy's secrets well enough.

Slipping through the dimly lit corridors, he reached the entrance—a massive iron door reinforced with enchantments. It was guarded, of course, but there were ways around that.

Eren crouched in the shadows, waiting for the right moment. The guards exchanged words in hushed tones, then one of them stepped away, leaving a small gap in their patrol. That was his chance.

Using his system's Shadow Step ability, Eren melted into the darkness, slipping past unnoticed. The moment his feet touched the cold stone floor of the library's interior, he exhaled.

Rows upon rows of towering shelves stretched before him, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls covered in dust. He moved swiftly, searching for anything related to Shadow's Veil.

After minutes of searching, his fingers brushed against a worn, leather-bound book with a strange symbol on its cover—a symbol eerily similar to the markings on his pendant.

---

The Truth About the Pendant

Flipping through the fragile pages, Eren found passages detailing a secret organization known as The Watchers of the Veil.

They were an ancient order that had existed for centuries, their purpose unclear. Some records claimed they were protectors of forbidden knowledge, while others described them as manipulators, orchestrating events from the shadows.

One section caught his attention:

"The pendants of the Veil serve as keys, opening paths unseen by ordinary eyes. Those who bear them are either chosen… or cursed."

Eren's grip tightened on the pendant in his pocket. Was he chosen? Or cursed?

The book provided no answers, only more questions. But one thing was clear—activating the pendant would set something in motion, something irreversible.

Suddenly, a creaking noise echoed through the library.

Someone else was here.

---

A Mysterious Encounter

Eren extinguished his candle and pressed himself against the bookshelf, slowing his breathing. He peeked through the gaps in the shelves, spotting a hooded figure moving silently between the rows.

Whoever they were, they weren't a librarian. Their movements were too precise, too calculated.

The figure stopped near the very section Eren had just searched, their hand hovering over the space where the book had been.

A low whisper escaped their lips. "Too late…"

Eren's heart pounded. Had they come for the book? Or for him?

The figure suddenly turned their head, as if sensing his presence. For a moment, their eyes—glowing faintly beneath the hood—locked onto his.

Eren didn't hesitate. He activated Shadow Step again, vanishing from sight as he moved swiftly toward the exit.

But before he could escape, the figure's voice rang out softly:

"You can't run from fate, Eren."

He froze mid-step.

They knew his name.

---

The Weight of Choice

By the time he reached his dorm, Eren's mind was racing. The pendant, the note, the library intruder—it was all connected. Someone wanted him to follow this path, to uncover whatever secrets lay within Shadow's Veil.

But was it truly his choice anymore?

Sitting at his desk, he pulled out the pendant once more. He traced the etchings with his fingers, feeling the faint pulse of energy within it.

Was he ready for what came next?

Taking a deep breath, he whispered, "System, scan for a safe activation method."

The blue screen flickered before him.

Processing… Safe activation not detected.

Warning: Unpredictable consequences may occur upon use.

Eren exhaled. He had expected as much.

There was no turning back now.

Clenching the pendant in his fist, he prepared himself for whatever lay beyond the veil.