Occulus: Tale of the First Blood Witch

Chapter 25

"It seems we can place our trust in Professor Cornella to spearhead our battle against our foes," Mitsuki remarked with a twinkle in her eye.

Estrella, her lips curling into a bemused smile, chimed in, "Now that's a twist I didn't see coming," and a ripple of laughter spread through the group. Professor Cornella, who usually exuded kindness and gentleness, had taken on an unexpected role, and it was quite the sight to behold. "Yet, I must admit, the ancient witches choice of title for her isn't entirely misplaced. Our wits are now firmly in the throes of war."

"But there's one thing that puzzles me," Estrella interjected, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue. "There is still no sign of the Headmaster."

Adair's concern hung in the air, and it was Adair himself who voiced it. "You know, Estrella, you might be onto something. What if something's gone awry with the Headmaster?"

Zarian and Trent exchanged a knowing look, each understanding the weight of the truth that remained concealed. Trent believed it was prudent to shield the others from the unsettling reality—for now, Dimitri Ivanov, the mastermind behind the resurgence of the Great Eye, the awakening of the Great Enforcers, and the very reason they found themselves embroiled in this perilous situation, was a secret best kept hidden.

"Let's just hope he's in good condition," Estrella said with a hint of worry lacing her voice.

Trent's thoughts echoed in the silence as he contemplated, "He can't die yet. I need to avenge my father first." With those unspoken words hanging in the air, Estrella and Trent parted ways, leaving Adair and Zarian with Trent. They made their way to their room, leaving the conversation behind.

Inside their room, Trent turned to Adair, his expression grave. "Do you have any other leads, Adair?"

Adair's response was filled with frustration. "None. My investigation was abruptly halted when I woke up. Should I use my abilities again to try and uncover what's happening?"

Trent pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Not for now, Adair. You need rest."

Zarian, inquired further, "Do you have any other plans in mind, Trent?" Trent paused, his mind circling back to the enigmatic black notebook he had stumbled upon in the Occulus garden. Filled with forbidden magic, it could prove invaluable in their struggle against their adversaries. With a determined look in his eyes, Trent finally replied, "Actually, I do have something in mind. It involves that black notebook I found."

Zarian's curiosity deepened as he asked, "What black notebook?"

Trent took a deep breath before explaining, "That's where I got the curse I used on Hayden. Maybe we can find another curse within it that could help us."

Zarian furrowed his brow, concern etched across his face. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea, Trent. Wasn't that one of the reasons the Great Eye shone in the first place?"

Trent nodded, acknowledging the risk. "You're right, Zarian. But given our situation, we may not have many alternatives. We need to use every opportunity and means at our disposal to gain an advantage."

Zarian reluctantly agreed with a nod. "Where is this black notebook?"

Trent's gaze turned distant as he replied, "It's in the mortal world."

Zarian offered his support, saying, "I'll go with you."

Trent considered it but then shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, Zarian, but it might be better if I cross over to the mortal world by myself. I can move more discreetly and avoid attracting unwanted attention."

Zarian's concern remained evident as he questioned, "Are you absolutely sure about your plan, Trent?"

Trent's resolve was unwavering as he responded firmly, "I have no other choice, Zarian. I have to do this."

With determination, Trent stood up and walked toward the door, prompting Adair to ask in confusion, "Where are you going?"

Trent paused and turned to face him. "I need to retrieve something, Adair. Something that could give us an edge against Veronika and her coven of witches."

Adair began to voice his concerns, but Trent interrupted gently, saying, "Adair, you have to trust me." He locked eyes with his friend, conveying his determination and the importance of the mission ahead.

"I don't quite grasp what you're after or how it will aid us," Adair admitted, "but... alright, Trent. Please, promise me you'll be cautious. Make it back here as swiftly as possible."

Trent met Adair's earnest plea with a reassuring nod and a smile. Both of them glanced over at Zarian, who nodded in silent agreement. With their resolve intact, they opened the door and stepped out into the night.

The journey led him to his aunts' house, the air thick with silence and shadows. Trent ascended the stairs with care, navigating the obscurity, and eventually arrived at his room. He cautiously felt along the wall until he located the light switch, flooding the room with sudden light. Moving swiftly, he knelt by the side of the bed, his hands searching beneath it until he discovered a small cardboard box, just large enough to contain a pair of shoes.

"Revelare," Trent whispered, invoking the spell, before carefully lifting the lid of the box. A soft light emanated from within, casting a gentle glow on his face. His fingers reached inside, retrieving the coveted black notebook he sought. However, a sudden noise from behind startled him, causing him to drop the box he was holding. Trent spun around.

"L-Luna, it's just you," Trent sighed with relief upon recognizing their spiritual guide standing there. "You scared me."

Luna, her ephemeral form shifting back into that of a fairy, looked at Trent with confusion. "Trent, what's going on?" she asked. "You and your aunts vanished suddenly and didn't return for days."

Trent's expression grew somber as he explained, "Luna, I'm so sorry. We didn't choose to be away for days. Something terrible unfolded in the spiritual world. A witch named Veronika has resurfaced. She attacked the South part of the spiritual world, and some members of the Covenant of the Forlorn Watchtower were—"

Trent's words faltered, his heart heavy with uncertainty. He didn't know the fate of the other witches in the South. Had they succumbed to Veronika's influence, like Professor Dorian, or had they met a direr fate?

"I understand," Luna reassured Trent. "Don't worry about me. I'm not like a regular cat that needs taking care of."

Trent nodded appreciatively and then mentioned, "I also need to return to the Occulus, Luna. Would you like to come with me to the spiritual world?"

Luna's tiny face lit up, and she replied enthusiastically, "I'd be glad to come along."

However, their plans were suddenly disrupted when the lights in Trent's room abruptly extinguished, followed by a violent tremor that shook the entire house. Trent swiftly sat down on the floor, panic in their voice as they asked, "W-What's happening?"

In response to the disturbance, Luna transformed into a cat and leaped into Trent's arms. Trent, his heart racing, rose to his feet and reached for the closet door, intending to access Occulus. However, as they entered the closet, they quickly realized something was amiss—the passage did not transport them to the expected destination.