William drew the demonic sword, its obsidian blade gleaming menacingly in the dim light. It was a magnificent weapon, its power undeniable despite the unsettling voice that resided within.

He stood motionless, the sword held aloft, until the voice echoed in his mind once more. “Boy, I don’t have arms or legs, you know. Put me closer to that bookshelf, and be quick about it.”

William, a blush creeping onto his cheeks, obeyed. He held the sword against the bookshelf, a strange warmth radiating from its surface. He waited, his heart pounding, unsure what would happen next.

The sword remained an enigma, its origins and purpose shrouded in mystery. William, chosen as its wielder, felt a growing connection to the obsidian blade, yet he couldn’t shake the unease that lingered in its presence. He kept it hidden, its secrets tucked away beneath layers of cloth, a silent promise of power and a potential threat he couldn’t fully comprehend.

As he held the sword against the bookshelf, a strange sensation washed over him. He felt a subtle drain of energy, a tingling sensation that flowed from the elven formation, through the sword, and into his own body.

“Just so you understand, boy,” the sword’s voice rasped in his mind, “I’m absorbing the mana from this pathetic elven contraption and channeling it into you. I can only handle demonic energy on my own, but with you as a conduit, I can siphon other forms of magic as well. Got it? Now, tell me if you start feeling unwell. You won’t be able to handle this much mana for long.”

William’s eyes widened in surprise. This was a new ability, a hidden power he hadn’t known the sword possessed. The possibilities swirled in his mind. Could he use this in combat, absorbing his opponent’s spells? The potential was exhilarating.

After a minute, a wave of nausea washed over him. A throbbing headache pulsed behind his eyes, and his body felt heavy and sluggish. The sword, sensing his distress, ceased its absorption.

“Fortunately, the mana ran out,” the sword remarked, its tone laced with amusement. “You were starting to look a bit green around the gills. Anyway, you can move that bookshelf now and access your precious secret passage. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a nap.”

The sword fell silent, its energy depleted. William carefully rewrapped it, concealing its dark gleam. A System notification flashed before his eyes.

[Pure mana absorbed. Upon assimilation, you will gain benefits.]

[Until fully assimilated, you will experience decreased physical and mental capabilities.]

William, still feeling the lingering effects of the mana overload, pushed against the bookshelf. It moved with surprising ease, sliding away from the wall to reveal a hidden passage. A thrill of excitement shot through him, the promise of discovery outweighing his discomfort. He stepped into the darkness, the unknown beckoning him forward.

He found himself in a narrow passage, just wide enough for a single person to pass. Where does this lead? he wondered, a thrill of excitement coursing through him. Should he return and alert the others, or forge ahead on his own? He decided on the latter. The other students, while well-intentioned, were inexperienced. Their presence might hinder more than help.

With his steel sword drawn and his senses heightened, William ventured into the darkness. The tunnel was unremarkable, devoid of traps or dangers, save for the occasional scuttling insect or startled rodent. After ten minutes of walking, he heard voices echoing in the distance. His heart pounded with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. As he drew closer, he recognized the voice of Professor James!

He quickened his pace, arriving at the end of the tunnel. A lever protruded from the wall. With a hesitant pull, a hidden door swung open, revealing a chamber beyond.

“What in the world…?” James’s startled voice reached him.

The professor, his hand instinctively reaching for his spellcasting focus, relaxed upon seeing William. Confusion replaced his initial alarm.

“William?” he exclaimed. “What are you doing here? And what is this passage?”

“I found a secret entrance in the temple library,” William explained, gesturing back towards the hidden door. “I think it connects to other areas of the ruins.”

“That makes sense,” James mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “But you should return and inform the others.”

Seizing the opportunity, William pressed his case. “Professor, couldn’t I join you? Perhaps finding this passage means I’m meant to be part of the exploration team…”

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James hesitated, then, with a resigned sigh, agreed. “Alright, William,” he conceded. “I’ll return with you and inform the others.”

They retraced their steps, rejoining the remaining students in the temple. James explained the situation, appointed a new student leader, and then, with William in tow, ventured back into the tunnel.

“Find anything interesting?” William asked, eager to catch up.

“Just a long, straight passage so far,” James replied, “but I suspect we’re close to something significant, considering this secret tunnel intersects with our path.”

He theorized that the tunnel likely led to a safe haven, a hidden escape route in case of danger within the temple.

They rejoined the rest of the group, finding Martha and the other students waiting patiently where the tunnel opened into the cavern. Altair, his earlier bravado replaced by a hint of relief, greeted William with a grin.

“Glad you’re here,” he admitted. “If things go south, at least we’ll go down together.”

William chuckled, slinging an arm around Altair’s shoulders. “Are you crazy? If things get dicey, I’m using you as a distraction while I make my escape.”

Their laughter echoed through the cavern, easing the tension that had begun to build. Professor James, his instincts proven correct, led them deeper into the ruins. Within minutes, they emerged into a breathtaking sight.

The subterranean city unfolded before them, a testament to elven ingenuity and artistry. Even in its ruined state, its beauty was undeniable. Gasps of wonder echoed through the cavern.

“Incredible!” one of the students exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

The centerpiece of the city was a crystal-clear lake, its waters sparkling in the light of their spells. Buildings, crafted from the same white marble as the temple, lined the shores, their elegant arches and intricate carvings reflecting in the still water. In the center of the lake, a small island held a cluster of structures, their purpose a tantalizing mystery.

“This is an extraordinary find,” Professor James declared, his voice hushed with reverence. “An elven city preserved in such pristine condition is incredibly rare. This will be invaluable for our research! We’ll need to establish a base here.”

He envisioned a permanent research outpost, a hub for scholars and mages to study the elven ruins and unlock their secrets.

The students, however, would soon return to their classes. Their time in the ruins was limited, a fleeting glimpse into a world lost to time.

“We’ll explore a small section of the city today,” James announced, his gaze sweeping across the eager faces, “and then return to camp. There’s much to see, and we must proceed with caution.”

Unbeknownst to the students and professors venturing deeper into the elven city, a new group arrived at the surface. They emerged from the dense forest, their cloaked figures casting long shadows in the fading light. Four hooded figures dismounted from their steeds, their faces obscured in the twilight.

“They were here first?” one of them hissed, their voice a low growl.

“It seems we’ve been delayed,” another replied, their tone laced with annoyance. “But no matter. It simply means we’ll have to…adjust our plans.”

With a shared glance of grim determination, they tethered their mounts and approached the ruins. They descended the stone staircase, their footsteps echoing in the silence.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep