《Mysteries of the World》 The Call of the Abyss Chapter 1. The Call of the Abyss The city where Ren lived was dull and bleak. The houses stood close together, and the streets were narrow. Everything was calm, gray, and gloomy. Even though Ren had lived here all his life, he never felt like he truly belonged to this world. He was not alone¡ªhe had friends, even very good friends. Yet, deep inside, the words never left him: "You do not belong to this world." ¡ª Hey, Ren! ¡ª a black-haired guy called out to him. ¡ª Why so lost in thought? Ren shrugged and smirked. Since morning, an odd feeling hadn¡¯t let him go¡ªas if beyond this reality, something greater existed. But he wasn¡¯t about to talk about it. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡ª It¡¯s nothing¡­ ¡ª he said, kicking a small stone. The evening promised to be just as usual. They were gathering at the old bridge, from where Lake Kali could be seen. This lake was mysterious, both mesmerizing and eerie at the same time. Many rumors and legends surrounded it. Its waters were always dark, even on sunny days. Locals used to say the lake "didn¡¯t like the unnecessary." ¡ª Let¡¯s go for a swim, huh? ¡ª suggested Ethan, a tall guy with curly black hair. Ren hesitated. He didn¡¯t like water, but this time, for some reason, he didn¡¯t refuse. Taking off his jacket, he stepped into the lake, feeling the cold seep into his body. The water was eerily warm for the night. ¡ª Hey, let¡¯s dive! ¡ª Stan shouted to Ren. Ren hesitated and prepared to go underwater. One second. Then another¡­ A third¡­ Silence. Something grabbed his ankle. He jerked, his foot caught in something sticky. Struggling to break free, he choked, his lungs tightening as darkness swallowed everything around him. Panic struck his mind. But then¡­ everything went still. His body sank, yet the fear faded into an eerie calm. Lake Kali was taking him, but somehow¡­ it felt right. The last thing he saw was a shimmering light deep below. 袗 New World Chapter 2: A New World ¡ª It¡¯s been about ten minutes already, ¡ª Ethan said. They searched for Ren both in the water and on land, but they couldn¡¯t find him. They kept looking for hours. And finally, on the other shore, they saw a body. ¡ª Ren! ¡ª one of the boys shouted. They all ran towards him. Ren was unconscious, but he was still breathing. They called an ambulance and rushed him to the hospital. There, the doctors said that Ren had fallen into a coma. --- ¡ª What is this noise? ¡ª Ren said, opening his eyes. He didn¡¯t understand where he was. It didn¡¯t look like his home or a hospital. As he glanced around, he felt a strange weakness in his body, as if he couldn¡¯t control it. Suddenly, a man and a woman entered the room, followed by someone else whose face he couldn¡¯t see. Then the woman approached him and said: The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡ª Darling, look! He opened his eyes! ¡ª Yes, my love, I see. Our future heir of the Van de Eisenbach family. ¡ª Congratulations, Your Grace, Duke and Duchess! ¡ª said an elderly man. Ren lay there, unable to comprehend what was happening. He tried to speak, but no words came out. --- A month had passed. Ren finally understood what was going on and who the people around him were. He had been reborn as the son of Duke Raphael Van de Eisenbach, becoming his only heir. He had no idea how or why he ended up here, but he suspected it had something to do with the lake. Still, he didn¡¯t regret being reborn in this world. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged somewhere. One day, he attempted to climb out of his cradle, but he suddenly slipped and was about to fall when¡ªhe stopped midair. Ren didn¡¯t understand why he wasn¡¯t falling. ¡ª Leonel! Did you hurt yourself? ¡ª said Celestina. And at that moment, he realized¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just any world, not one like his past. It was something entirely different, filled with magical beings, sorcery, and power. And his new name was Leonel Van de Eisenbach. --- Several years had passed. ¡ª Be careful, my lord, ¡ª Leonel¡¯s fencing instructor warned. ¡ª Don¡¯t worry, Master, I actually enjoy this, ¡ª Leonel replied. ¡ª Even so, don¡¯t overexert yourself, ¡ª a gentle voice called from behind. ¡ª Mother! ¡ª Leonel exclaimed. In his past life, Ren had been twelve years old. He was an orphan who had grown up in an orphanage, where he had befriended Ethan and Stan. But after arriving in this world, he finally experienced parental love, care, and warmth. He worked hard to become someone his new parents would be proud of. ¡ª Mother, I¡¯m already grown up! How is Mira? ¡ª Leonel asked. ¡ª Leo, ¡ª the Duchess said softly, ¡ª you always care for others so much. She¡¯s sleeping right now. After Ren¡ªnow Leonel¡ªwas reborn in this world, his younger sister, Mira, was born a few years later. Though she was his little sister, they only shared one common feature¡ªtheir eyes. A deep, beautiful shade of blue, like a precious gemstone, marking them as true members of the Van de Eisenbach family. Leonel had jet-black hair, dark as ink, and pale skin¡ªhe was the spitting image of his father. Mira, on the other hand, resembled their mother. She had white hair wit h strands of black woven through it, a striking contrast to her brother¡¯s. Biography Chapter 3: Biography Celestina Van de Eisenbach ¨C a woman whose beauty has become legendary. Her snow-white hair cascades in soft, silky waves, as if woven from pure light itself. Her ruby-red eyes burn like precious gems, shimmering with shades of scarlet and fiery gold. Her skin is flawless porcelain, so smooth it seems as if even time itself dares not touch her. Every movement she makes is the embodiment of grace, and in her gaze lies wisdom and strength befitting a queen. Celestina wields fire magic, and her flames are as majestic as she is¡ªcapable of both offering warmth and consuming everything in their path. Regal and unapproachable, she captivates with her mere presence, for to many, she is not just a woman but perfection itself¡ªa living masterpiece. --- Raphael Van de Eisenbach ¨C a man whose name strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies but brings warmth to those he holds dear. Tall and powerfully built, he seems born for battle and victory. His jet-black hair accentuates the sharpness of his features, while his sapphire eyes shimmer like an icy abyss, capable of piercing anyone with a single glance. He is known as ruthless and merciless, yet those who truly know him see something else beneath that mask¡ªa depth of emotion, unwavering loyalty to his family, and a fire burning within him for those he loves. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Raphael possesses a unique and powerful hereditary magic, passed down only within the Eisenbach bloodline. His ability allows him to manipulate space and time, and his sheer willpower can crush anything that dares stand in his way. He is both the shield and the sword of his family¡ªthe shadow that stands behind Celestina, ready to protect her at any cost. --- Leonel ¨C a young man whose appearance combines cold aristocratic elegance with natural grace. His jet-black hair glistens under the sunlight like polished obsidian, while his deep sapphire eyes resemble rare gemstones, hiding a sharp intellect and unwavering determination. His pale skin highlights his refined features, and his tall, strong physique makes him look like a warrior whose sword is merely an extension of his will. But Leonel is not just skilled in combat¡ªhe is intelligent and perceptive, well-versed in the intricacies of economics and politics. He also inherited his mother¡¯s fire magic, a force as grand as his unyielding nature, and his ability to summon spirits makes him a mysterious and formidable opponent. There is an undeniable inner strength within him¡ªa man who not only wields weapons but also thinks several steps ahead. Leonel is willing to do anything to protect the people he holds dear. --- Mari, his younger sister, is like a reflection of the night sky and the first light of dawn. Having inherited the same sapphire eyes as her brother, she looks at the world with remarkable clarity and insight, instantly reading the true intentions of others. Her hair is as white as freshly fallen snow, yet the streaks of black within it remind one of the vast depths of the starry night. Mari is charming and gentle, but beneath her sweet exterior lies a sharp mind and an innate ability to see the true nature of people. She is still a child, yet she already gives the impression of someone who, in time, will be able to shape destinies with nothing more than the sli ghtest movement of her hand. The Past Life Chapter 4: The Past Life Leonel, formerly known as Ren, was just an ordinary boy. He grew up in an orphanage, having lost his parents at a very young age. His mother passed away almost immediately after childbirth, while his father, who tried to protect his wife from drug addicts, was left in critical condition. Shortly after, he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Ren was the complete opposite of an average teenager. Despite his chestnut-brown hair and green eyes, there was always a hidden determination in his gaze. He rarely showed his emotions, yet an inner strength radiated from him, allowing him to maintain control over any situation. If someone went too far, Ren was always the one to step in and stop his friends in time. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Stan, his childhood best friend, was the opposite¡ªlighthearted and easygoing. His jet-black hair and brown eyes gave him a charismatic look, and there was always an adventurous spark in his smile. He viewed the world with enthusiasm, constantly coming up with new ideas and being the first to jump into risky ventures. If Ren was the one keeping them from reckless actions, then Stan was the one who inspired them to achieve new things. Ethan had come from distant Australia, but after the tragic death of his parents, he ended up in the same orphanage as Ren and Stan. His fair skin, blond hair, and thoughtful eyes made him stand out at first, but soon he became one of them, as if he had always been there. A shadow of the past lingered in his gaze, but despite everything he had endured, he never lost the kindness and warmth that made him special. Ren, Stan, and Ethan became the closest of friends. They always had each other¡¯s backs and stood up for others when needed. They were good-hearted kids who remained loyal no matter what. "Friends forever," Ethan said with a smile. "Forever," Ren and Stan replie d in unison. Friends Chapter 5: Friends As usual, Leonel was busy with his daily routine. His morning started with fencing practice¡ªhe was perfecting his strikes, focusing on the precision of his movements and speed. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, but he continued, determined to make every motion flawless. Once he finished, he wiped his forehead with a towel and headed to the garden, where his younger sister, Mira, was already waiting for him. The ten-year-old girl sat at a small table set with elegant dishes. A basket of pastries rested nearby, and an aromatic tea brewed in a teapot. When she saw her brother, Mira smiled cheerfully. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°You''re late,¡± she said with a slight reproach, pouring tea for him. ¡°Sorry, I trained longer than usual,¡± Leonel replied, sitting across from her. They talked about everyday things until, unexpectedly, the butler appeared in the garden. His posture was as impeccable as always, and his voice remained calm, yet it carried a note of formality. ¡°Sir, you have visitors.¡± Leonel raised an eyebrow in surprise. He wasn¡¯t expecting anyone, but setting his teacup aside, he still asked: ¡°Who exactly?¡± ¡°They introduced themselves as Stan and Ethan,¡± the butler stated concisely. Hearing these names, Leonel was truly shocked. He couldn¡¯t understand how they had ended up here. Without hesitation, he quickly made his way to the guest hall, leaving Mira to finish her pastries in peace. An Unexpected Encounter Chapter 6: An Unexpected Encounter Leonel entered the guest hall and froze. Standing before him were Ethan and Stan¡ªthe very same friends from his past world. But something was off. They didn¡¯t look like grown men, as they should have after fifteen years. On the contrary, they were teenagers¡ªaround 15 or 16 years old, almost the same age as Leonel. "How is this possible?" the thought raced through his mind. "I came to this world fifteen years ago, but they haven¡¯t changed¡­ They don¡¯t look 30; they¡¯re still teenagers!" This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. His heart tightened with conflicting emotions. The joy of seeing his friends mixed with confusion and unease. Leonel studied their faces intently, and although their features remained the same, their eyes reflected not just recognition but also bewilderment. ¡°Ren¡­ is that you? But why do you look different? Your facial features are the same, but your hair, skin, and eye color¡­ why are they different?¡± Ethan asked in astonishment. ¡°Leave us, butler. We need to talk in private,¡± Leonel said with a serious expression. Once they were alone, he looked at them steadily, keeping his voice even despite the storm of thoughts in his mind. ¡°How did you get here?¡± he asked. Ethan and Stan exchanged glances. ¡°We don¡¯t understand it ourselves,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°We woke up in this world a few years ago¡­ but for us, fifteen years haven¡¯t passed. We remember everything as if it happened just yesterday.¡± A chill ran down Leonel¡¯s spine. So time had passed differently for them¡­ But why? The Past Chapter 7: The Past After Ren fell into a coma, his friends searched for a way to wake him up. The doctors didn¡¯t know how to help but told them that a person in a coma could still hear everything around them¡ªthey just couldn¡¯t show any response. After hearing this, Ethan and Stan began visiting Ren every day, bringing something amusing and telling him stories. But nothing worked. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. One day, Ethan suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go to Lake Kali.¡± His face was filled with sorrow. Stan thought this might somehow help wake Ren and agreed. When they arrived at the lake, they decided to take a swim. But suddenly, something pulled them underwater. Moments later, they woke up in an unfamiliar place. Unlike Ren, they hadn¡¯t been reincarnated¡ªinstead, they had turned into 5- or 6-year-old children. They spent years learning about this new world and studying magic. By the time they turned twelve, they had become adventurers. One day, they saw news about Leonel Van de Eisenbach. ¡°Ethan, look at this! Doesn¡¯t he look like Ren?¡± Stan asked, staring at the report. Ethan studied the image carefully. ¡°Even though his hair is black and his eyes are blue, he definitely looks like Ren,¡± he said. And so, they decided to find Leonel. The Conversation Chapter 8: The Conversation Ethan asked with a thoughtful expression, ¡ª Ren, how did you end up here? Ren sat down in an armchair and began to tell his story¡ªhow, for some reason, he had been transported into the body of a newborn son of a ducal family. He had thought he had died in his world. After finishing his story, Ren asked them, Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡ª How did you end up here? And why do you still have the same age and appearance as before? Stan was the first to speak: ¡ª After you fell into a coma, the doctors told us that you could hear us and that it might help you wake up. But no matter what we did, nothing worked. After many attempts, we decided to go to Lake Kali. And that¡¯s when we ended up here. But unlike you, we weren¡¯t placed into someone else¡¯s bodies¡ªwe were still ourselves, just in our younger bodies. ¡ª We became aristocrats¡¯ children. Our families were close, so Ethan and I met at our very first gathering. We began learning about this world, mastering magic, and then, one day, we saw the news about Leonel. The moment we looked at your face, we recognized you as Ren, ¡ª Stan said with a sad expression. ¡ª And when we came here, it really turned out to be you, Ren, ¡ª Ethan added with a smile. But not everything was as good as it seemed. After Ren fell into a coma, strange things began happening in their world¡­ Oddities Chapter 9: Oddities After Ren disappeared, unexplained events began occurring in his original world. At first, they were minor changes that no one connected: the clock in his room would either run fast or slow, electricity flickered without reason, and his mobile phone, even when turned off, sometimes displayed unknown symbols. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. But then, far more disturbing things began to happen. Distortions in Time People started noticing strange behavior in time itself. Some claimed their clocks skipped minutes, while others experienced moments repeating as if stuck in a loop. Some even recalled conversations that hadn¡¯t happened yet¡ªonly for them to unfold word for word later. Disappearances and Anomalies In the city where Ren had lived, objects began vanishing¡ªat first small items, but later entire rooms seemed as if they had never existed. Some buildings inexplicably changed locations, and at times, mirrors reflected a reality different from the one b efore them. Chapter 10 . Anomalies Chapter 10: Anomalies Dreams That Felt Too Real Many people, especially those close to Ren, began experiencing recurring dreams about a mysterious place filled with magical light and strange creatures. Some would wake up feeling as if they hadn¡¯t slept at all but had actually been somewhere else. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Rifts in Reality At the outskirts of the city, people started noticing strange mirages¡ªglimpses of another place appearing through thin air. Sometimes, unfamiliar voices echoed from these rifts, and on rare occasions, shadowy figures emerged, only to vanish moments later. Changes in People Several individuals began behaving differently, as if they had forgotten parts of their lives or, conversely, remembered things that had never happened. One day, Ren¡¯s best friend looked into his reflection and, for a brief moment, saw unfamiliar eyes staring back¡ªdeep sapphire blue, just like Leonel¡¯s. Ren¡¯s Weakness and Illness Doctors observed that Ren¡¯s condition in the coma had become unstable. At times, his pulse would suddenly quicken for no reason, while at other moments, it would ne arly fade away. The Decision Chapter 11: The Decision Leonel couldn¡¯t collect his thoughts after hearing Ethan and Stan¡¯s words. Their story shook him to his core. They claimed that in their world, he was still alive but in a coma. Moreover, after his disappearance, strange events had begun¡ªweather changes, the collapse of magical balance, and the disappearance of certain people. ¡ª ¡°You have to return, or our world might collapse,¡± ¡ª Stan said uncertainly, clenching his fists. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. They didn¡¯t know if their world was still intact or if the anomalies had already destroyed it. They had been away for so long¡­ What if it was already too late? Leonel remained silent, trying to grasp the gravity of the situation. ¡ª ¡°But how can I just leave?¡± ¡ª he finally objected. ¡ª ¡°I have a family here, responsibilities, people who care about me.¡± ¡ª ¡°We don¡¯t know how it works,¡± ¡ª Ethan said seriously. ¡ª ¡°But if our world is connected to this one¡­ maybe the destruction of one will affect the other. We need to figure it out.¡± Leonel felt that if he turned away from this problem now, the consequences could be catastrophic. But fear held him back. He looked at his friends, at the world he had lived in for so long, and realized¡ªhe couldn¡¯t abandon it, he couldn¡¯t just run away. Yet, if their suspicions were true, he had no choice. The Search for Answers Chapter 12: The Search for Answers Together with his friends, Leonel began studying magical books, artifacts, and ancient legends. They questioned mages, travelers, and priests, but no one knew anything. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Days turned into nights, their eyes burned with exhaustion, but they never stopped searching. ¡ª ¡°The Legend of Two Worlds¡­¡± ¡ª Stan muttered, flipping through an ancient manuscript. ¡ª ¡°What did you just say?¡± ¡ª Ethan asked hopefully. ¡ª ¡°The Legend of the Two Worlds¡­ The Legend of the TWO WORLDS!¡± ¡ª Stan repeated in shock. ¡ª ¡°Does it really exist?¡± ¡ª Ethan grabbed the book and started flipping through it. The Legend of Two Worlds Chapter 13: The Legend of Two Worlds From the book "On the Two Worlds" _"In the beginning, there was only one world, whole and unbroken, like an undivided fabric of time. But fate willed otherwise. The Great Sundering¡ªthat is what they call the day when the veil between realms trembled, and from a single whole, two reflections emerged: one¡ªa world of light, the other¡ªa world of shadows. It is said that the cause was balance, disturbed at the heart of creation. Perhaps the magic flowing through the earth and stars was depleted, or an unseen hand severed the sacred bonds linking the spheres. Some whisper that the rupture was inevitable, for in both worlds, there existed something¡ªor someone¡ªwho was never meant to be in two places at once. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! But there is another legend¡ªof a ritual performed beneath the shadow of the stars. Of those who sought to wield a power capable of bending the laws of existence. They gathered the blood of the primordials, the fire of the eternal flame, and the sand that births time, weaving them into a circle of ancient magic. Their voices, merging into a single invocation, tore through the very foundation of the world, and in that moment, it cracked like a mirror, reflecting itself in two faces. However, the ritual remained unfinished. Some of the knowledge was lost, the sacrifice left incomplete, and thus the worlds never fully separated. They exist apart, yet are bound by fragile threads, fraying and rejoining anew. And as long as these ties remain, there may come one who will either reunite them once more¡­ or shatter them forever.¡±_ The Fractured Veil Chapter 14: The Fractured Veil Stan flipped through the yellowed pages, his gaze darting across the lines of the ancient text. A strange feeling stirred in his chest¡ªa mix of fear and awe. ¡ª ¡°A ritual¡­ world domination?¡± ¡ª his voice trembled as he lifted his eyes. Leonel didn¡¯t look away from the book. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡ª ¡°Complete control over the world,¡± ¡ª he calmly confirmed. ¡ª ¡°Is that even possible?¡± ¡ª Ethan interjected. He had been silently listening until now. There was no surprise in his voice¡ªonly focus. ¡ª ¡°That¡¯s what the book says,¡± ¡ª Leonel murmured, turning another page. ¡ª ¡°We need to keep reading. There might be an explanation.¡± Stan clenched his fists. The unease wouldn¡¯t leave him. Leonel already understood everything. He grasped the core of this mystery: if the worlds remained separate, one of them would perish. The only question was¡ªwhich one? ¡ª ¡°It says here¡­¡± ¡ª he began, but Ethan interrupted him. ¡ª ¡°That there may be people who want to seize this power,¡± ¡ª he quietly finished the sentence. Leonel nodded. ¡ª ¡°And if they get it, they¡¯ll control both worlds.¡± Silence fell. ¡ª ¡°Then,¡± ¡ª Stan spoke slowly, ¡ª ¡°we need to be first.¡± Leonel closed the book. ¡ª ¡°We need to be faster than the ones from the darkness,¡± ¡ª he confirmed. The Worlds Chapter 15: The Worlds The world was divided into two¡ªthe light side and the dark. But things turned out to be even more complicated. It was soon discovered that the light side had split again, creating yet another realm. Thus, there were now three worlds. The First World¡ªthe Mortal Realm. This is a place where the laws of reason reign supreme, and magic is nothing more than a fairy tale from ancient legends. Here, people are born and die without leaving a trace, unaware of the grand design of the universe. Stone cities rise above the earth, and humans carve out their destinies, ignorant of the existence of other realms. Yet, their hearts yearn for wonders, and their souls ache for something they cannot explain. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. The Second World¡ªthe Realm of Harmony. Magic lives here, filling every breath of air and every drop of water. Ancient forests guard the secrets of millennia, and beings born from magic itself coexist with those capable of mastering it. There are no limits to what is possible¡ªeverything bends to the power of thought, desire, and will. But even this seemingly perfect world could not escape danger. For magic is not only a gift but also a burden. It was studied, harnessed, and sought after in a relentless pursuit of absolute control. Yet, the more power one world holds, the weaker the veil between dimensions becomes. When people took too much from the world without restoring balance, the fabric of reality began to fray. Rituals meant to amplify magic only hastened the catastrophe. The rupture between worlds became inevitable. But the rift did not only open a path for mortals¡ªit also unleashed forces that had long lain in wait beyond both worlds. Thus, the Third World emerged¡ªthe Rea lm of Darkness. The Realm of Darkness Chapter 16: The Realm of Darkness And then, there was the third world¡ªthe Realm of Darkness. They say this world is not merely a place but a living entity, yearning to consume the light. There is no sun here, only pale glows pulsing in the endless abyss. The water is thicker than blood, and the air is saturated with the whispers of long-forgotten souls. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. The inhabitants of the Realm of Darkness are those who were cast out from the other worlds¡ªthose who struck forbidden bargains, sought power beyond their limits, or were simply born under the wrong star. They are untouched by the ordinary flow of time. Their fates weave into a pattern that only a few can truly perceive. But the most terrifying of all are its rulers. Legends say they were once part of the other worlds, but doomed to eternal exile, they learned to bend the very fabric of reality to their will. They do not conquer. They do not invade. They wait. They wait for the veil between worlds to weaken¡ªso they may reclaim their power o nce more. The Seal of Darkness Chapter 17: The Seal of Darkness ¡ª We need to close the rift, ¡ª Lionel said firmly. ¡ª Or at least find a way to keep the Dark Lords from escaping. ¡ª But we don¡¯t even know how, ¡ª Ethan objected, furrowing his brows. ¡ª Maybe there are more books here? ¡ª Stan mused, glancing at the shelves lined with ancient manuscripts. Lionel nodded. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡ª We need to search. There might be something in the old records about the Dark Lords and the rift. They began rummaging through the library, flipping through ancient books and scrolls, their pages thick with centuries of dust. Hours passed, but they found nothing useful. ¡ª We need specifics, ¡ª Ethan snapped, rapidly scanning another book. ¡ª If we don¡¯t figure this out soon, the rift could become a gateway to something even worse. ¡ª Then we need to split up, ¡ª Lionel suggested. ¡ª Some should study the texts, while others search the old archives. Their search stretched on. The rustling of parchment filled the air, fragile pages crumbling at the slightest touch. And then... ¡ª What¡¯s this? ¡ª Stan whispered, pulling a scroll from the depths of a shelf, sealed with black wax. An unfamiliar sigil was engraved on the seal, unlike any magical symbol they had ever seen. Lionel ran a cautious finger over the design. ¡ª This... is a book about the Dark Lords, ¡ª he murmured. They exchanged uneasy glances. The truth was close¡ªbut were they ready to face it? Chapter 20. The Scheme of the Third Lord Chapter 20. The Scheme of the Third Lord A shadow slipped between the columns, dissolving into the air as if it had never existed. The pawn of the Third Lord moved silently, leaving no traces. It belonged neither to light nor to darkness. It simply was. Crossing the boundary of worlds, created as a puppet, the pawn reached the throne of its master. The Dark Lord, ruler of the northern lands, sat in a hall of black obsidian, where no light could pierce the dense gloom. Stolen story; please report. ¡°They have found the scroll, my lord,¡± a voice devoid of emotion echoed. The Dark Lord, Zephaar, slowly rose. He was different from the other Lords¡ªnot as reckless as Ovius, nor as overtly terrifying as Kalios. His power lay in his intellect, in his cunning, in a game where every word could be a weapon. ¡°How interesting¡­¡± His lips curled into a slight smirk. ¡°They seek a way to stop us, yet they have no idea they are opening new paths for me.¡± He leaned toward his servant. ¡°You will do nothing. Let them continue their search. Let them learn more, let them dig deeper. The closer they get to the truth, the more entertaining it will be to watch their hopes crumble.¡± The puppet nodded before vanishing into the shadows. Zephaar reclined on his throne, his eyes gleaming with a predatory fire. ¡°Let this be my spectacle. A play in which they will play their role s to the very end.¡±