Chapter 28: Whispers Among Pages

Ansel and Vulcan walked side by side through the academy grounds, heading toward the Grand Library. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the marble pathways, and murmurs followed their every step.

"Look, the cursed one and Vulcan Ashwood."

"He must be bewitched… no noble would choose to walk with him."

Ansel kept his head low, used to the stares. But it stung more when he wasn't alone.

A sharp voice cut through the crowd. "Vulcan, what are you doing with this… manaless thing?"

They turned. A girl stood among a small group of well-dressed students. She had flowing silver hair, eyes like polished sapphires, and bore herself with a confidence only royalty could possess. Lily Eldoria—second princess of the Eldoria Kingdom and a senior in Class A.

Vulcan nodded politely. "Greetings, Princess Lily."

She blushed faintly. "Don't call me that. Just… Lily is fine."

Her eyes flicked to Ansel with disdain. "Why are you walking with him? Haven't you heard the rumors? They say the devil-child's manipulating you."

The air grew heavy. Vulcan's smile vanished.

"What did you say?" he asked coldly.

"I—I didn't mean it like that—" she faltered.

"He's my friend," Vulcan said, his tone razor-sharp. "And if you think I care about your rumors, think again."

With that, he walked past her without another glance. Ansel followed in silence.

Lily stood there, stunned, watching him leave.

---

The Grand Library rose like a cathedral of stone and knowledge. Its arched windows gleamed with stained glass, and ivy crawled over ancient walls. Inside, the scent of parchment and candle wax filled the air. It was said the library had stood for over 900 years—older than even the founding of the academy itself.

Ansel's eyes widened in awe. "This place… it's incredible."

They made their way inside, but the peace didn't last.

A voice called out from a table. "Well, if it isn't the cursed brother."

Ansel froze.

Eldric—his half-brother—stood with a group of Class C students, a smug look on his face.

"I still can't believe we share the same blood. Must've been a bad joke from the gods."

Before Ansel could react, Vulcan stepped forward, his presence sharp like drawn steel.

"Say another word, and you'll regret it."

Eldric scoffed. "Oh, please. Don't butt into family matters, Ashwood."

A girl nearby called to Eldric. "Come on, leave the devil alone."

With a snort, Eldric turned away. "Looks like she saved you this time."

Ansel said nothing. His fists were clenched, but Vulcan gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't let rats bother you."

They found a quiet corner and began to read. Time slipped away. When Vulcan looked up again, the sun had nearly set.

"…Ansel?" he called.

No answer.

Vulcan rose and followed the trail of dusty aisles until he found Ansel deep in a forgotten wing of the library, crouched beside a pile of decaying books.

Ansel held a worn tome in his hands. Its cover was cracked and faded, but the title still glimmered faintly in silver:

Essence of Reality

"What's that?" Vulcan asked.

"I don't know," Ansel replied. "It was just… lying here. It feels different."

Before he could open it, Vulcan called again. "Come on. It's getting late."

Ansel hesitated, then set the book down. "I'll read it another time."

As they walked back toward the main hall, Ansel spoke up.

"Vulcan… can I ask something?"

"Sure."

"Why are you so kind to me?" Ansel said, softly. "You're not like the others. You're a noble, strong, respected. I'm manaless. I've got nothing. And yet… you still call me your friend."

Vulcan was quiet for a moment.

"Because you remind me of myself," he said. "I know what it's like to be alone."

Ansel looked up. "Huh?"

Vulcan chuckled. "That's all I'm saying. Don't ruin the moment with more questions."

Ansel gave a small laugh.

For now, the book was forgotten. But in the shadows of that ancient library, something had awakened.