Chapter 18: The Library of a Thousand Years
Morning light poured through the crystal ceiling of Nox Aeterna.
For the first time in a thousand years...
The city was alive.
Ancient fountains flowed once more.
Crystal lanterns illuminated the streets.
The once-forgotten kingdom welcomed its king home.
Yet Abster felt no triumph.
Only questions.
Caelum Ardent led the expedition through the city's central district.
"The city has many places that have survived the passage of time."
"But there is one place His Majesty must see."
They stopped before an enormous circular building.
Its walls were carved from white stone, unlike the black architecture surrounding it.
Above its entrance were ancient words.
"Knowledge Outlives Kings."
Lyra's eyes sparkled.
"A library?"
Caelum smiled.
"The Grand Library of Nox Aeterna."
"It contains the accumulated knowledge of civilizations that no longer exist."
Lyra could barely contain her excitement.
"I have to see it!"
The massive doors opened.
Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves stretched farther than anyone could see.
Floating crystals drifted through the air, illuminating countless ancient books.
Lucien let out a low whistle.
"This is... unbelievable."
Helena's expression turned serious.
"If this knowledge falls into the wrong hands..."
"It could change the world."
Abster wandered between the shelves.
Without knowing why...
His feet carried him to a forgotten corner.
There, resting alone upon a stone pedestal, was a single black book.
Unlike the others, it had no title.
As Abster reached toward it—
The book floated into the air.
Its pages turned by themselves.
Golden letters appeared.
> Royal Record Identified
Owner Confirmed
Welcome, Abster Valen Zorlav.
Everyone stared.
The book slowly opened to its first page.
Instead of words...
An image appeared.
A young man stood upon the Eternal Throne.
He looked almost identical to Abster.
The only difference was his long black cloak and golden crown.
Lyra whispered,
"...That's you."
Abster remained silent.
Deep inside...
He wasn't sure anymore.
Suddenly—
The image changed.
The peaceful city was engulfed in flames.
The sky cracked open.
Dark creatures poured from a massive rift.
Ancient dragons fought beside the people of Nox Aeterna.
Giants clashed with monsters the size of mountains.
At the center of it all...
The former Hidden Sovereign stood with a black-and-gold sword.
He raised it toward the heavens.
Then the vision ended.
The library fell silent.
"What... was that?" Elena asked softly.
Caelum lowered his head.
"The beginning..."
"...of the First Cataclysm."
Before anyone could ask another question—
The ground shook violently.
RUMBLE!
A guardian rushed into the library.
"My King!"
"Intruders have entered the city!"
Caelum's expression hardened.
"Who dares?"
"They're wearing silver masks."
Abster's eyes narrowed.
"The Order of the Eclipse..."
Outside the library...
Dozens of masked figures stood peacefully in the central plaza.
Their leader stepped forward.
He removed his silver mask.
He was an elderly man with snow-white hair and calm blue eyes.
Without saying a word...
He knelt before Abster.
"We greet the Hidden Sovereign."
"My name is Orion Vale, Grand Master of the Order of the Eclipse."
Lucien immediately drew his sword.
"What are you doing here?"
Orion ignored the prince.
He looked only at Abster.
"We have protected your legacy from the shadows for a thousand years."
He placed an ancient silver key on the ground.
"It is time for you to learn the truth."
Abster picked up the key.
"What does it open?"
Orion's gaze shifted toward the deepest part of the city.
"The Chamber of Memories."
"The place where your past still sleeps."
Far away, inside the Black Fortress...
Lord Zarek slowly smiled.
"So..."
"They've made their move."
"The race for the Sovereign's memories..."
"...has begun."
End of Chapter 18
New Character
Orion Vale – Grand Master of the Order of the Eclipse, an ancient organization that has secretly protected the legacy of the Hidden Sovereign for a thousand years.