[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 37: The Secrets of the Forgotten Library

The days following the confrontation with the Knights of the Apocalypse were marked by palpable tension. Physical wounds were healing, but spirits remained weighed down by the looming threat. Jun, Calla, Miranda, Sora, and Miiko knew they needed to bolster their defenses and seek answers to counter the Güldenstern Order.

«We need an advantage,» Jun declared during a group meeting. «We must uncover something that can help us confront the Knights of the Apocalypse.»

Miranda, ever pragmatic, added, «The forgotten library. There's a legendary grimoire there that might hold the secrets we need.»

Sora, in his deep voice, nodded. «It's risky, but necessary. We must go.»

Calla, ready to depart at once, rose to her feet. «So, what are we waiting for? Every minute counts.»

The forgotten library lay deep within the Whispering Forest, a mysterious and perilous place, known to devour those who venture into it unprepared. But our heroes were determined.

After hours of trekking, the group reached the forest's entrance. The trees seemed to whisper ancient secrets, their branches twisting in almost human-like ways. Jun led the way, his grimoire in hand, ready to face any threat.

«Stay vigilant,» he murmured.

The forest's darkness seemed alive, each shadow holding a potential threat. But thanks to Calla's stealth expertise and Sora's keen senses, they proceeded cautiously, avoiding traps and lurking creatures.

After an hour's walk, they stumbled upon a strange clearing where the ground was littered with discarded books, their pages torn and scattered. At the center of the clearing stood an ancient wooden door, half-buried under twisted roots.

«This is it,» announced Miranda. «The forgotten library.»

Miiko approached the door and placed her hand upon it. «There's a magical barrier. We must deactivate it to enter.»

Jun and Miranda combined their powers to dispel the barrier, using their grimoires to manipulate energy flows. The door creaked open with a sinister groan, revealing a spiral staircase descending into darkness.

They descended cautiously, the light from their grimoires illuminating walls adorned with ancient glyphs. At the bottom of the staircase, an immense chamber filled with books and scrolls was revealed. At the center of the chamber, on a stone pedestal, rested an ancient and dusty grimoire.

«There's the legendary grimoire,» murmured Jun as he approached.

As he reached out to take it, a voice resonated in the chamber. «Who dares disturb the peace of this library?»

An ethereal figure appeared, floating above the pedestal. It was a guardian spirit, tasked with protecting ancient knowledge. Its luminescent eyes fixed upon Jun and his friends.

«We are here to seek the truth,» Jun responded with determination. «We must stop the Güldenstern Order and their Knights of the Apocalypse.»

The spirit observed them for a moment before nodding. «Only those who are worthy may access this knowledge. Show me your resolve.»

Without warning, the spirit created a series of magical trials. The group had to demonstrate their strength, intelligence, and unity. Each trial was designed to test the team's skills and cohesion.

Calla and Sora faced illusions of their worst nightmares, while Miranda and Miiko unraveled complex puzzles. Jun, meanwhile, had to prove his mastery of the grimoire by battling shadows representing the ancient warriors he had summoned.

After what felt like an eternity, the trials concluded. The spirit, impressed by their performance, regarded them with respect.

«You have proven your worth. Take the grimoire and use it wisely.»

Jun took the legendary grimoire and immediately felt a wave of power and knowledge wash over him. «Thank you,» he said to the spirit. «We will make good use of this knowledge.»

As he opened the grimoire, a bright light emanated from within. The pages began to glow and float around Jun. The Chronicles of the Immortal, the grimoire he always carried with him, also lit up. The two books began to merge, their pages intermingling and bindings blending together.

«The legendary grimoire is merging with the Chronicles of the Immortal,» murmured Miranda, fascinated by the spectacle.

When the light subsided, Jun held in his hands a completely new book, more powerful and brimming with new knowledge. The ancient powers and secrets of the Knights of the Apocalypse were now within their reach.

«This book... it combines the knowledge of both grimoires,» Jun said, moved by the extent of the power he felt through his fingertips.

With this merged grimoire, the group departed the forgotten library, their hearts filled with hope and determination. They now had a chance to change the course of the battle against the Güldenstern Order.

As they emerged from the forest, Jun turned to his friends. «We have taken a great step today. Let us use this power to protect our world and destroy the Güldenstern Order.»

His companions nodded, ready to face the trials ahead. For together, they knew they could overcome any obstacle, even the most formidable Knights of the Apocalypse.