Chapter 17: The Seal of Darkness

  — We need to close the rift, — Lionel said firmly. — Or at least find a way to keep the Dark Lords from escaping.

  — But we don’t even know how, — Ethan objected, furrowing his brows.

  — Maybe there are more books here? — Stan mused, glancing at the shelves lined with ancient manuscripts.

  Lionel nodded.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  — We need to search. There might be something in the old records about the Dark Lords and the rift.

  They began rummaging through the library, flipping through ancient books and scrolls, their pages thick with centuries of dust. Hours passed, but they found nothing useful.

  — We need specifics, — Ethan snapped, rapidly scanning another book. — If we don’t figure this out soon, the rift could become a gateway to something even worse.

  — Then we need to split up, — Lionel suggested. — Some should study the texts, while others search the old archives.

  Their search stretched on. The rustling of parchment filled the air, fragile pages crumbling at the slightest touch. And then...

  — What’s this? — Stan whispered, pulling a scroll from the depths of a shelf, sealed with black wax.

  An unfamiliar sigil was engraved on the seal, unlike any magical symbol they had ever seen.

  Lionel ran a cautious finger over the design.

  — This... is a book about the Dark Lords, — he murmured.

  They exchanged uneasy glances. The truth was close—but

  were they ready to face it?