Chapter 74: A Name from the Past
The candlelight flickered against the ancient pages of the Grimoir of Infinite Malice, casting long shadows across the room. Eren's fingers traced the name that had appeared on the worn parchment—a name that shouldn't exist.
His heartbeat quickened.
This was impossible.
"Elric Von Helios."
The name carried weight. A name that should have been buried in the annals of history. A name belonging to a man who had perished long before Eren was even born.
But here it was, inscribed in the very tome that had changed his life.
What did this mean?
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A Hidden Connection
Eren's mind raced.
Elric Von Helios.
A legendary figure—once a prodigy, then a traitor, and finally, a man whose existence had been erased from official records.
And now, his name was in the Grimoir.
Why?
What was the connection?
Eren closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. There had to be something he was missing. If Elric had truly been erased from history, then someone had wanted him forgotten.
And if he was linked to the Grimoir, then his story wasn't over.
But how was Eren involved?
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The Gathering Storm
The next morning, the Academy's air felt different. There was an unspoken tension lingering, as if the entire institution was holding its breath.
Whispers followed Eren as he walked through the halls. He ignored them, but he knew better than to dismiss them completely. The rumors were spreading too fast.
Selene's warning rang in his head.
"People have started noticing things… strange things. And your name is coming up more often than it should."
Eren reached the training grounds, but before he could even step in, a voice called out.
"Eren, a word?"
He turned to see Professor Aldric.
A man who rarely paid attention to students unless there was something important at stake.
Eren's eyes narrowed.
This wasn't a coincidence.
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A Professor's Warning
Aldric led him to a secluded chamber deep within the Academy, away from prying eyes. The walls were lined with ancient books and artifacts, their auras pulsing faintly with magic.
Eren remained silent, waiting.
Aldric studied him for a moment before speaking. "You're not as invisible as you think you are, Eren."
Eren's jaw tightened. "I never tried to be."
The professor chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Clever response, but we both know that's a lie."
Eren didn't deny it.
Aldric sighed. "There are forces in this world, Eren—forces that have been watching the Academy for longer than you can imagine. And now, you've drawn their attention."
Eren met his gaze. "Why now?"
Aldric hesitated. "Because of the Grimoir."
Eren's fingers twitched. "You know about it?"
Aldric nodded. "Not everything. But enough to know that it's dangerous."
The professor leaned in. "Tell me, Eren. What do you know about Elric Von Helios?"
Eren's pulse quickened.
So Aldric knew about him too.
That meant this was bigger than he had thought.
"Not enough," Eren admitted. "But I need to find out."
Aldric exhaled. "Then be careful. Because the moment you start digging into his past, you'll realize that some graves should stay undisturbed."
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The Academy's Dark Secrets
Eren left the chamber with more questions than answers.
He knew now—without a doubt—that the Academy was hiding something.
And if Elric's name was in the Grimoir, then the answers he sought weren't just buried in history.
They were buried inside the Academy itself.
But uncovering them meant one thing.
Someone was going to try and stop him.
And this time, they wouldn't be sending an assassin.
This time, they'd come themselves.
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Author's Note
Eren's search for the truth is leading him deeper into the Academy's secrets. But what exactly happened to Elric Von Helios? And why is his name in the Grimoir?
Author's Note
If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to support me with power stones and leave a comment! Your feedback keeps me motivated to continue writing. Let me know what you think of this chapter, and what theories you have for what comes next!
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— bloodyking99