Chapter 10 – The Hidden Library

The days after the second exam passed more peacefully. The students gradually grew accustomed to the academy’s rhythm: theory classes in the morning, magic practice in the afternoon, and nightly review sessions back in the dorms.

Even so, conversations about the fortress-defense simulation were still lively.

Many students praised Lira and Dovan, two of Zareen’s teammates who had performed brilliantly. But this time, Zareen’s name was also being mentioned—not as the usual subject of mockery, but as the mage who had conjured a massive barrier and saved his team.

Still, Zareen knew that this recognition was fragile. He didn’t yet understand how that lavender light had appeared so suddenly. And the only person who might be able to explain it to him was Gifa, the mysterious witch who had once summoned him.

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A Familiar Face in the Library

That afternoon, Zareen decided to visit the academy library. Aside from hoping to find Gifa, he wanted to calm his restless thoughts. The library was usually quiet at this hour—except for one person who almost always seemed to be there: Zara.

The long-haired brunette sat at a table near the window, surrounded by stacks of thick books. Zara was well-known as a diligent student who spent more time in the library than in the dorms. She often helped other students borrow books and even shared her own summaries with those struggling to keep up with lessons.

Zareen slowed his steps, watching her for a moment as she read intently. She’s here again, he thought. He had run into Zara like this several times—even before the second exam. They rarely spoke, but her presence always made the silent library feel a little warmer.

“Studying again?” Zareen asked at last, approaching her table.

Zara glanced up and offered him a small, polite smile. “As usual. I’m looking for journals about protective magic. There are rumors that an old manuscript talks about energy synchronization.”

Zareen froze briefly. *Energy synchronization… that sounds just like what I experienced back then.*

But he only nodded. “If you find anything, let me know.”

Zara nodded in return, then quietly returned to her reading. Zareen walked away, but for some reason, that short conversation left him feeling calmer.

---

Seeking the Hidden Path

He made his way to the quietest aisle, stopping in front of a row of ancient shelves. His heart pounded.

“If I remember correctly… the door should be somewhere around here.”

He stepped forward, tapping a few shelves. Nothing moved.

Letting out a slow breath, he closed his eyes. Last time, I met Gifa after touching an old book… maybe I have to call her again in a different way.

He swallowed, then called softly, “Master! Lady Gifa! Are you there? It’s me, Zareen!”

Silence. Only the sound of rustling pages disturbed by the wind.

Scratching his head, Zareen tried again—louder this time.

“Master! I want to report my progress!”

Suddenly, the shelf before him trembled. Dusty books shifted aside, and a black gap opened, revealing a narrow passage that spiraled downward.

Zareen gulped. “It worked…”

Carefully, he stepped inside. The passage was cold, lit by floating blue torches. Each step seemed to pull him farther from the normal world and deeper into a place known to very few.

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Meeting Gifa

At the end of the passage, Zareen entered a large circular chamber lined with bookshelves. In the center sat a small silver-haired girl perched on a tall chair, reading a tome almost as large as she was. A tiny staff rested across her lap.

“You finally came back,” Gifa said without looking up. Her voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight. “I’ve been waiting for your report.”

Zareen approached and bowed slightly. “Master… I came to report on the second exam. Something strange happened to me.”

“Oh?” Gifa closed the book and turned her brilliant blue gaze on him. “Tell me everything.”

Zareen explained how his group was nearly wiped out by the illusionary Troll attack, and how he suddenly managed to summon a massive barrier. He admitted he had no idea how he had done it.

Gifa listened in silence, then smiled faintly.

“That was no coincidence. The lavender light you produced was a sign that your blood contract with me is beginning to synchronize. You are starting to awaken your true potential.”

“Blood contract…?” Zareen swallowed hard. “You mean back then—when I cut my finger on that old book?”

“Exactly,” Gifa nodded. “That was not just a small scratch. You signed an ancient pact that day. The energy you released during the second exam was its first true manifestation.”

Zareen stood frozen, trying to process her words. So I’m not as powerless as I thought…

---

Private Training

“Good,” Gifa said, hopping off her chair. “Since you came, we’ll start private lessons right away.”

Zareen’s eyes widened. “Right now?”

“Of course. You think I have time to wait for you to laze around?” she replied, sounding almost childlike.

With a wave of her staff, the room transformed. The shelves slid aside, revealing a small training arena with a glowing magic circle etched into the floor.

“First, we’ll work on energy control,” Gifa explained. “Manifest your barrier—no matter how small. I’ll try to break it. Your job is to keep it intact.”

Zareen nodded, then raised his staff. Lavender light flickered and formed a thin shield.

Gifa flicked her staff, sending a small energy orb flying. The shield quivered, nearly shattering, but Zareen clenched his jaw and held on.

“Not bad. Three seconds,” Gifa said flatly. “Again.”

The training repeated again and again. Every time Zareen fell to the floor after his barrier shattered, Gifa ordered him to get back up. His body ached, but there was a new determination inside him pushing him to keep going.

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Light-Hearted Banter

During a short break, Zareen slumped to the floor, panting.

“Master… I keep calling you that. You don’t mind, right?”

Gifa squinted, then grinned mischievously. “Actually, I’d prefer you call me ‘Sweet Big Sister.’”

Zareen choked. “What?! That’s way too weird.”

“Hey, I may look small, but I’ve lived for over two thousand years. I’m practically your ancestor,” Gifa said with a sly smirk.

“I think I’ll stick with ‘Master,’ thanks,” Zareen replied, making her pout like a sulking child.

Despite her teasing, Zareen felt strangely comforted. This wasn’t just training—he had someone guiding him, someone who made him feel less alone.

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Session’s End

After hours of training, Gifa finally lowered her staff.

“That’s enough for today. You’re improving. Remember: focus, not brute force, is the key. The lavender light will grow as your resolve strengthens. Don’t let doubt ruin it.”

Zareen nodded, feeling lighter. “Thank you, Master. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As he left the chamber, the shelves shifted back into place, hiding the passage from the outside world.

Behind the sealed entrance, Gifa stood still, watching his fading silhouette. A faint smile touched her lips.

“You’re finally starting to change. Let’s see how far you can go, Zareen.”