Adrian and Seven stood in front of Sister Selena’s door, the worn wood looking far more imposing than it ever had before. He glanced at Seven, who fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, her eyes darting to the door and then back to the floor.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” she whispered.

Adrian took a breath, steadying himself. “Trust me. It'll be fine."

He raised his fist and knocked on the door, each tap echoing through the quiet hall. As they waited, the silence pressed in around them, heavy and expectant. Adrian kept his gaze on the door, his heart thudding in his chest. Please let this work.

From inside the room, a soft voice called out, “Who is it?”

Adrian swallowed and shot a quick glance at Seven, who clutched her hands tightly together. “It’s Adrian, may we come in?”

There was a pause, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching. The door creaked open as Sister Selena came out, kind eyes crinkled with a smile as she greeted Adrian, but her gaze shifted and widened slightly when she noticed Seven.

“Seven? I wasn’t expecting to see you,” Sister Selena said.

She glanced between the two children, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Is there something you both need?”

Seven hesitated for a moment, fingers twisting around themselves before she blurted out, “We… we wanted to ask for a favor.”

Sister Selena’s brow arched slightly, but she stepped aside, opening the door wider. “Come in, then. Let’s hear it.”

Sister Selena motioned for them to sit on the cushioned bench by the window. She then moved to a chair opposite them,n. “Now, what is it you need from me?”

Adrian took a breath and looked at Seven, who nodded for him to speak. “We want to go to the library."

Sister Selena tilted her head. “The library? At this hour? You both know it’s not usually open for casual visits outside of study hours.”

Adrian exchanged a glance with Seven. They had expected this, and a spark of unspoken understanding passed between them. Together, they nodded and turned to Sister Selena with pleading eyes.

“Please?” they said in unison.

Sister Selena’s lips curved into a smile, a small laugh escaping her. “Oh, you two…” she said, shaking her head in amusement. “You know how to tug at a person’s heart, don’t you?”

“Fine. You’ve convinced me. But there are conditions.”

Adrian’s heart leapt, relief washing over him. We did it. He nodded eagerly, as did Seven, who was practically glowing with excitement.

“You can only stay for one hour and not wander off outside the library during that time, understood?" Sister Selena asked.

“We understand! Thank you, Sister Selena!” Seven said quickly.

“Thank you so much,” Adrian echoed. Huh, that was easier than expected.

Sister Selena stood, gesturing for them to follow. She led the way down until they reached the library. The nun retrieved a key from the folds of her robe, inserted it into the lock and turned it, the mechanism clicking with a satisfying sound. Pushing the doors open, she stepped aside, allowing Adrian and Seven to enter.

The scent of aged parchment and polished wood enveloped them as they went inside. Rows of shelves stretched out before them, each surprisingly well maintained.

“Remember, one hour. Make good use of it.” Sister Selena said.

Adrian nodded. “We will."

Seven’s eyes sparkled with determination as she looked around. “Thank you!"

Sister Selena offered a final nod before slipping through the doors. “There’s something I need to discuss with Sister Eleanor, but if you need help reaching the higher shelves or with anything else, just find me.”

As the heavy library doors settled shut, Adrian took a deep breath. Books of all shapes and sizes lined the shelves, prompting Seven to step forward first, eyes wide with anticipation.

“Where do we start?” she whispered..

“Let’s just see what we can find."

The two moved together, their footsteps soft against the worn wooden floor. Shelf after shelf passed, filled with leather-bound tomes and dusty scrolls. They exchanged glances, sharing silent questions and wonder as they searched.

Then, Seven stopped abruptly, her gaze locked on a high shelf near the far end of the room. “Look! That one looks interesting."

Adrian squinted, following her gaze. He spotted a thick volume with a faded blue cover. The embossed gold lettering on the spine read, The King in Blue.

His heart skipped a beat. The King in Blue? Why does it seem so… familiar?

Seven clutched his arm. “Do you think it’s a legend? Maybe it has something important about signature spells.”

“Maybe, but…” He eyed the high shelf warily. “I’m not sure how we’re going to reach it.”

. “Should we ask Sister Selena for help?”

“No. Remember, we want to keep this secret, just in case. If it’s got anything about our spells, we shouldn’t draw attention.”

“So… what do we do?”

Adrian stepped back, gauging the height of the shelf and the surrounding furniture. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before pointing to a wooden step-stool tucked into the corner. “Okay. I have an idea. Why don't we use that stool over there."

Seven nodded, already moving toward it. She dragged the stool over with a soft scrape, positioning it directly beneath the shelf. Adrian climbed up first, his hands gripping the sides tightly. He reached up, but his fingers barely brushed the bottom of the shelf. Too far. We need a bit more.

“Not enough?” Seven asked, watching him carefully.

“Almost,” he replied, hopping back down. He glanced around the room, spotting a smaller stack of books nearby. “Help me bring those over.”

They worked quickly, stacking a few sturdy books on top of the stool. It wobbled slightly, but Adrian tested it with his weight. “Okay, I think this will work. Just hold the stool steady for me.”

Seven nodded and gripped the sides firmly. “Got it.”

Adrian climbed up again, the added height giving him just enough reach. Stretching on tiptoes, he managed to wrap his fingers around the spine of The King in Blue. Carefully, he pulled it from the shelf, the heavy book slipping slightly in his grasp. He tightened his hold, exhaling as he brought it down. “Got it!”

Adrian stepped off the stool with care, clutching The King in Blue tightly.

He walked over to an open spot on the floor and gently set the book down, its thick cover releasing a faint puff of dust. Seven dropped to her knees beside him, her eyes wide and full of energy. “I can’t believe we got it!”

Adrian smiled. He slid a finger under the cover and lifted it, the pages creaking slightly in protest. “Let’s see what we have here."

“A wise king once ruled, beloved by all, many called him a god-king due to the immense magic he possessed. But one day, he grew unsatisfied with his rule and sought greater things for his people.”

Seven listened intently, eyes focused on the page. “He was already revered and powerful. Why would he seek more?”

Adrian paused, considering the question. “Power often breeds ambition."

Or perhaps it’s not about ambition at all, but about the endless burden of responsibility. “A ruler like him would feel compelled to strive for something beyond just ruling, a legacy that could redefine his people’s existence.”

“So what did he seek?”

“The king first decided to try to make a cure for all ailments, a panacea. But despite his skill and knowledge, he failed in this endeavor.”

“A panacea? If it existed, it would change the whole world."

“Indeed, however, the king eventually discovered a ritual that allowed him to sacrifice part of himself to obtain his heart’s desire. So, he sacrificed his left arm in exchange for the panacea to cure all ailments.”

Seven raised an eyebrow, her tone suddenly clinical. “Did he succeed?”

Adrian scanned the next few lines, but his gaze halted abruptly. The page was torn, leaving a jagged edge where the story should have continued. His brow furrowed in frustration. “Of all the times for a page to be—"

His words trailed off as a sudden ache bloomed at the back of his mind. A dull throb that felt like it pulsed deeper than the surface, as though tugging at memories long buried.

The world around him faded, swallowed by a series of vivid images, each more consuming than the last.

In his mind’s eye, he saw crowds stretching as far as he could imagine, thousands upon thousands gathered below him, their voices rising in a deafening roar. They cheered his name, their expressions filled with reverence, awe, and a deep, unyielding loyalty. God-King, they chanted.

The images shifted, revealing a grand palace suspended high above the ground, its towering spires glistening under a blinding sun, almost brushing the very clouds. Arched bridges of opalescent marble stretched from its entrances, while flags bearing symbols of prosperity and power waved in the wind.

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The palace hovered majestically, casting a shadow over a sprawling city below. The city itself was a marvel, with towering structures adorned in emeralds and sapphires, streets paved in polished stone that reflected the sun's golden rays. People walked those streets adorned in fine silks, even the children wearing bracelets and amulets of gold as though it were as common as iron.

Adrian’s heart clenched at the sight. What a marvelous sight.

Then came flashes of other memories, each cutting in like shards of glass. He saw himself walking among ancient texts, the walls of his library stretching endlessly in all directions, tomes and scrolls filled with secrets only he was meant to know.

Next, he was in a dark chamber, chanting words of power, his left arm raised and glistening with markings that pulsated with ancient energy. He could feel a sacrifice, a piece of himself he had willingly given. And in the heart of his chamber was an elixir that promised to cure all ailments: a panacea.

The memory froze in place, his hand reaching for the vial, his heartbeat echoing in his mind. This feels all too real, too familiar, surely this King in Blue had something to do with me? Or perhaps, was I the King in Blue in a past life?

And then, just as suddenly as it had started, the vision collapsed, snapping Adrian back into the present. He blinked, his gaze refocusing on the small room, his fingers still pressed against the yellowed page.

He couldn't help but fall silent afterwards. If, for a moment, I am to believe that this King in Blue was me in a previous life. Then that brings up many questions, such as how is it possible that a story about my past self is now present here? Is this new world connected to my past life somehow? And if so, in what ways?

Suddenly, Seven’s hand was on his shoulder. “Um, Adrian, are you alright?”

He took a steadying breath, nodding. “I’m fine. Just… must’ve spaced out for a moment,” he said, forcing a smile. “Don’t worry about it.”

She kept her gaze on him, searching his face for a long moment before nodding slowly. “But if something’s wrong, you’d tell me, wouldn’t you?”

Adrian looked away, running his thumb over the torn page absentmindedly. “Of course."

“Should we keep going? Or do you want to take a break?"

Adrian paused, considering the question. I don't want to make her worry, might as well shift the topic as fast as possible. “Maybe we should try finding a legend that suits you instead.”

"Are you sure?"

“I am, let's give it a go."

"Really?"

"Yes, Seven, really."

"Okay… if you say so."

With that settled, the two resumed their search. Adrian pulled out one book after another, inspecting their spines for any hint of relevance while Seven moved methodically down a separate aisle.

After a short while, Seven’s voice broke the silence. “I found something.”

Adrian approached as she held up a thick, faded volume. The title read, Fables from the Dark Wood.

Adrian’s eyes glinted with interest. “Let's give it a read then."

The two sat down on a nearby bench, flipping through the pages. The stories varied from whimsical to eerie, each filled with mystical creatures, dark forests, and forbidden magic. Adrian watched as Seven’s small fingers turned the pages with precise motions, her eyes skimming over the text. After several minutes, she stopped at a page near the middle of the book.

“‘Eternal Night,’” she read aloud, her voice almost soft.

The title alone carried a sense of foreboding as Seven began reading:

“In a world consumed by perpetual darkness, the sun fell silent, leaving the land shrouded in an unyielding shadow. The people of this world could only walk outside with lanterns, their light flickering like fragile hope against the pressing blackness. But even the lanterns could only hold back the dark for hours at a time, for the darkness was hungry and all-consuming.”

Seven looked up from the page, her expression focused. “Could this story work for a signature spell?”

Adrian considered her question carefully. It’s certainly dark enough for her mana core’s nature. “Yes, the story could work, but there are steps you’ll need to take to incorporate it into your signature spell.”

He explained the process, speaking clearly. “First, you’ll need to connect with the essence of the story. That means focusing on the darkness itself, its relentless nature. Next, you’ll draw in mana and shape it around that feeling, letting it bind to the legend as you cast. The magic has to reflect the core of the tale.”

Seven nodded slowly, as if turning the concept over in her mind. “I think I get it."

Adrian watched her closely. “What are you thinking?”

Seven’s expression shifted from thoughtful to resolute, her eyes sharpening as she stepped back slightly. She closed her eyes, her breathing becoming measured, and lifted one hand toward the ground. Her voice took on a low, almost rhythmic quality, as she began to chant.

“In the void of eternal night, where stars dare not shine, darkness expands without restraint. It swallows light, consumes warmth, and stretches forth its silent dominion.”

Adrian watched as an eerie, black mist materialized around Seven’s feet, coiling like a living thing. The air grew colder, and the edges of the clearing were overtaken by encroaching shadows. Seven’s voice held steady, each word infused with the heavy presence of her mana.

“Let all light be snuffed, let all sound be swallowed in Expanding Darkness."

At her final words, the darkness surged outward like a black tide, spreading rapidly from Seven’s feet and flooding the entire room. Adrian’s vision was engulfed in complete blackness, as if the very essence of light had been erased. He could barely see his own hands, let alone the room’s edges. This darkness is unusual. It's not caused by Seven projecting magic outward, she's actually drawn out the surrounding light towards her mana core.

He called out instinctively, his voice betraying a hint of urgency. “Seven, are you there?”

But his words were muffled, the darkness not only blinding but also dampening sound. The oppressive silence pressed in on him, making it difficult to even hear his own breathing. Impressive, but unnerving. She’s managed to create a real void, one that absorbs more than just sight.

Adrian reached out tentatively, but his hand only met the thick, intangible presence of the darkness. Where is she?

Just as panic crept in, Adrian felt a soft tap on his shoulder. He spun around quickly, and as he did, the darkness started to retreat, pulling back like water draining from a basin. Seven stood before him, her hand outstretched, her expression neutral but with a hint of curiosity.

“What do you think of my signature spell?” she asked.

Adrian let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “It’s… remarkable, especially for your first attempt. But tell me, what covenant did you set?”

Seven’s gaze turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing slightly as she raised two fingers. “I set three covenants."

“First,” she said, her voice precise, “the spell can only be cast under dim lighting or darker, or if I am standing behind the shadow of something else."

Adrian nodded slowly. A limitation that’s both fitting and strategic. “What about the second covenant?”

Seven’s fingers shifted, revealing three now, though she continued her explanation. “Second, the darkness must always start from my feet and branch out from there. It felt… appropriate, given that the darkness in the legend grows from the ground upward.”

Adrian considered this. It was a specific restriction, but one that was also thematic.

“And the third covenant?” Adrian asked.

“The third covenant is that once I make contact with another person, or launch an attack, the darkness will recede completely. I just thought that it would be really weird if I couldn't dispel the darkness when I want to."

“It’s a remarkably well-thought-out signature spell, well done.” Adrian complimented.

Seven’s expression remained neutral, but there was a faint glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. “It is not perfect,” she said evenly. “The darkness is not as strong as I hoped it would be, and the third covenant limits its offensive potential.”

Adrian shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “It’s impressive nonetheless. A signature spell isn’t about raw strength alone."

Seven nodded, but her gaze was already distant, as if analyzing her spell for further improvements. “I will continue to refine it."

Adrian observed her for a moment longer, feeling a familiar warmth at seeing her dedication, but his mind soon drifted back to the lingering questions that had settled heavily on him since the strange vision.

He cleared his throat, steadying himself. “Seven, you’ve done incredible work. Really. But… I think I need a little time alone for now.”

She blinked, snapping out of her spell-focused reverie and studying him with a tinge of concern. “Are you really sure you’re alright?”

Adrian nodded quickly. “I am. I just… need to be alone for a bit.”

Adrian held back a sigh as he gazed at Seven, her face caught in a storm of conflicting emotions. He forced himself to maintain a calm, steady tone. “Please, Seven. I really need a moment to myself.”

Seven crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “No, I’m not leaving you alone. Not when something’s clearly bothering you.”

Her defiance was unyielding, and though Adrian knew it came from a place of care, it still gnawed at him. “Seven, I promise, I just need a bit of time. Just… to sort through things.”

She shook her head, and before Adrian could respond, he caught the shimmer of tears in her eyes. Her lips pressed together, and for a second, her expression flickered with hurt.

“Fine,” she whispered, a tremor in her voice as she quickly brushed at her face. “If you want me to go so badly, then… I’ll go.”

“Wait, Seven—” he called out, but she turned away.

“Just leave me alone!” Seven blurted out, turning and then dashing out of the library.

Adrian felt a pang of guilt settle in his chest as he watched her retreating figure. I've made a critical mistake.

With hurried steps, he followed Seven, weaving through the quiet corridors of the convent until he finally reached the gardens. Beneath one of the large, sheltering trees, he found her sitting, knees drawn up to her chest, gaze fixed firmly on the ground.

Slowly, he approached and sat beside her, leaving a respectful distance between them. “Seven, I’m sorry if I said something that upset you."

She shifted away slightly, her head still turned. “It’s fine."

He glanced at her, searching her face. “Are you… mad at me?”

“No,” she replied quickly, but the silence that followed was heavy. Adrian looked down, unsure of what to say. He opened his mouth, then closed it, choosing instead to wait, letting her set the pace.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice soft and hesitant. “I came from a small place. Really small. It’s squished between two bigger nations that keep fighting. We didn’t have much, and what we did have… got taken a lot.”

Her words lingered, carrying a weight that made Adrian look at her closely, listening. He didn’t say anything, just let her talk.

“My mom… she wanted better for me. She thought sending me to the convent would keep me safe.”

The way she spoke about her mother had a mix of sadness and respect that Adrian understood. She’s been through so much. He nodded slightly, letting her know he was listening.

“Coming here was the only choice if I wanted to be safe. At least… that’s what I try to believe,”

“Do you… ever think about going back?”

“Sometimes, but I don’t even know if there’s anything left to go back to.”

Silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t heavy or awkward, it was like they were sitting in the same place without needing to fill it with words. Part of Adrian’s mind flickered back to his own memories, the strange vision, the people, the weight of expectations. But he pushed those thoughts away; this moment wasn’t about him.

“Thank you for telling me, it’s brave to be able to go out on your own." Adrian said.

Seven shook her head, her gaze dropping to her hands. “It wasn’t brave. It was just… surviving.”

The wind rustled the branches above, making small patterns of light dance on the ground. After a few moments, she looked up at him. “Adrian… can I ask you something? I’ve been wondering for a while.”

“Uh… yeah. Sure.” His chest tightened, not knowing what she’d say next.

“Who are you? Really?”

The question hit him hard. For a second, it felt like everything he’d built around himself might crumble. He opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words. What do I even say?"

“I… um, I…” he stammered.

Seven tilted her head slightly, waiting, but not unkindly. “Well?”

He let out a breath, feeling small and uncertain. “Honestly, I—

He let out a breath, feeling small and uncertain. “Honestly, I—”

Before Adrian could say any more, a voice broke through the quiet, sharp with relief and exasperation. “There you are!”

They both turned to see Sister Selena rushing toward them, her breathing ragged. She leaned forward, hands braced on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. “I’ve… been looking everywhere,. You two were supposed to be in the library.”

Adrian and Seven exchanged a quick glance. Seven offered a sheepish smile, while Adrian scratched the back of his neck, avoiding Sister Selena’s gaze. “Sorry, Sister, we just needed some fresh air.”

Sister Selena exhaled deeply. “I thought something had happened. I thought you’d wandered off beyond the grounds or gotten lost.”

“We didn’t mean to worry you, we’re sorry.” Seven muttered.

The nun's lingered on both of them, as if making sure they were truly okay. She straightened her robes and gestured toward the path back. “Come on. It’s almost evening. We need to get back.”