Chapter-8 The Unforgotten Library

The battlefield finally fell silent.Blood still stained the ground, and the air was thick with the scent of iron and ashes.

Nara rushed toward Xavier.Her breath caught when she saw him — collapsed on the ground, trembling violently.His whole body was shivering, as if caught between worlds.

She dropped to her knees beside him, heart pounding.Was it because of the brutal battle just now?Or... something else?

Before her fears could spiral further, a calm voice echoed behind her.

"Nara," said the priest as he stepped into view, his white hair fluttering slightly in the cold night breeze. "Don't worry. He's not dying."

She turned sharply toward him, blood dripping from her armor, her body soaked in the remains of the brutal fight.

"What's happening to him?" she demanded.

The priest knelt beside her, glancing down at Xavier's trembling form with a gaze filled with old knowledge.

"His powers are awakening," he explained. "Slowly... painfully.Because he does not yet have his sword, his body can't contain the flood of energy. That's why he's trembling.We must find his sword before the Shadow Realm sends another knight to capture him."

Nara's hands tightened into fists.She could still feel the lingering pulse of dark magic in the air.

"So where should we go?" she asked, her voice low."His companion — that human girl — will start asking questions if he vanishes."

A small, knowing smile touched the priest's lips.

"Do you know why Lord Typhon trusted me with his life?" he said, his voice like a soft rumble of distant thunder."Because I never failed him. And I won't start now."

He straightened up, his silhouette tall and steady against the dying light.

"Forget this place. Take him north — far from here," he said."I will meet you tomorrow."

Nara stood up, lifting Xavier gently into her arms."Where exactly?" she demanded.

The priest's eyes gleamed under the fading stars.

"To the North," he said."The Unforgotten Library."

He turned to leave, the ground beneath him whispering with ancient magic.But before he could vanish, Nara spoke again, her voice sharp as a blade.

"I know you can create a replica and cover his absence," she said. "Lord Typhon told me everything about your abilities."Her eyes narrowed."But be careful. I don't trust Clara. Something about her feels... wrong."

The priest paused, glancing over his shoulder with a faint, amused smile.

"I know," he said simply — and in the blink of an eye, he disappeared into the night, leaving only a ripple of magic behind.

Nara tightened her hold on Xavier, her heart heavy but resolute.Time was running out.The Shadow Realm had already moved once.They would move again — stronger, faster, and crueler.

And this time...They would be ready.

✨

"Where have you been for four hours?! Do you have any idea how much trouble I faced alone?"Clara's voice rang out, sharp with frustration, as she stormed toward him.

The priest, now perfectly disguised as Xavier, gave her a soft, apologetic smile."Sorry. From now on, I'll make sure to help you properly," he said, his tone warm and casual — the same way Xavier would have answered.

Clara glared at him for a moment longer before exhaling sharply."We have to get to the airport. Fast."

Without wasting more time, they began organizing the frightened students into the cars, guiding them as quickly and calmly as possible.The priest worked silently, carefully mimicking every gesture, every small habit Xavier might have shown.

After getting the last student inside, Clara turned back to him.

"Come on, get in!" she called.

But the priest shook his head gently."I have a little something to do," he said."I want to buy a painting for my grandpa before we leave."

Clara hesitated. Her eyes narrowed slightly — suspicious — but then she smiled."Fine. But don't be late. We're boarding soon."

The priest simply nodded, watching her drive away with the students — his expression unreadable.

Only when the cars disappeared from sight did he allow his smile to drop, his eyes sharpening like blades.The weight of the mission returned.

The real Xavier... was no longer here.And shadows were already moving again.