Blake gazed through the crooked stone door using the Eye of Truth. Beyond it lay a long tunnel—he couldn't tell if it was recently dug or naturally formed—but one thing was clear: enemies were scattered throughout the ruins ahead.
These weren't weaklings either. Their hiding spots were carefully chosen. This was no natural ruin; it was a deliberately constructed test.
Just as Blake had said before the mission—he was only here to observe.
He wanted to see if his little brother could handle the situation on his own.
So, he gave no warning.
Old Rip glanced at Blake, then gave the signal. The operation began.
Several seasoned wizards took up defensive positions.
Bolton pulled a trumpet-shaped device from his pocket. A small screen sat on top of it, giving it a slightly technological appearance. He pressed the speaker against the stone door and tapped a button.
He reported, "No magical traces. No curses. There are traps behind the door—but mundane ones. Easily cleared."
"Alright then, blow it open," said Old Lepp.
Since the gate wasn't a true artifact, they didn't need to be gentle.
Wands raised.
"Thunderbolt Explosion!"
Boom!
The door shattered into fragments, partially blocking the tunnel entrance.
"Whirlwind Sweep!"
The rubble was swept aside, revealing the shadowy entrance.
Whoosh! Dozens of crossbow bolts shot out from the darkness—but Bolton was ready. He calmly waved his wand, deflecting the deadly projectiles with ease.
"It's clear. Proceed," he said, stepping into the tunnel first.
Blake motioned to Cassandra to follow.
She blinked in surprise—he was letting her go second?
But she trusted Blake. Without hesitation, she stepped in after Bolton.
Agatha followed closely behind.
Old Rip leaned toward Blake. "You seem bored."
"Not at all," Blake replied. "Just disappointed. These so-called ruins are laughable."
"Nothing these 'enemies' can do will trouble us. Especially with the explorer here—no one can stay hidden."
Indeed, the moment the old wizards got moving, Blake could tell the hidden attackers didn't stand a chance. Even without the magical scanner, they posed no threat.
Had it not been for Cassandra, Blake would've left to take a nap.
But this test's difficulty was perfect for her. So he changed his plan and let her enter early.
And just as he expected, the battle was short and one-sided.
Once the enemies' concealment charms were broken, Agatha easily overwhelmed them.
Even Cassandra managed to knock one out with a Stunning Spell.
She beamed, proud of herself, and turned to find Blake.
But before she could speak, Bolton walked past and casually slit the stunned attacker's throat with a Cutting Curse.
Cassandra stood frozen, horrified.
Agatha placed a hand on her shoulder, snapping her out of it.
"Don't hesitate when someone's trying to kill you," she said firmly. "Otherwise, you die. Or worse—your friends do."
Cassandra remembered—the man had appeared suddenly and tried to cast the Killing Curse on Bolton. She had stunned him just in time.
These people truly wanted them dead.
She glanced at the corpse, throat slashed, blood pooling on the floor.
In that moment, she finally understood what Blake meant by the dark side of the world.
"Scared?" Blake's voice came from behind her.
"I… not scared, just… unsettled," she said, furrowing her brows.
"I get it," Blake said softly. "It'd be weird if you weren't."
Cassandra fell silent.
"If you want to go back, it's not too late." He brushed her hair gently. "White or gray, I like both versions of you."
"If you want to stop, we can leave. I'll even erase the bad memories from tonight."
"I won't force you into this."
Cassandra reached back and gripped his hand. Her fingers were cold.
"I can do this," she said quietly.
Twenty minutes later, the entire ruin was cleared.
At the far end, they found a plain stone platform. On it rested a single card, etched with blood-red words:
"Congratulations, you passed the test!"
Old Rip handed the card to Agatha, who nodded and pocketed it. It was their proof.
The group exited the ruins, stepping back into the sea breeze.
Cassandra took a deep breath. Her pale face regained a hint of color.
Blake felt a pang of guilt. Maybe this had been too much.
She caught his concerned look and forced a smile.
"I understand why you brought me here," she said. "You want someone who'll stay by your side, no matter what."
"I'm glad you chose me for that."
She knew—Blake likely carried great, unknown ambitions. If he pursued them, the consequences would be vast. People might abandon him, even turn against him.
When that day came, he'd be alone.
But he wanted someone who wouldn't leave.
And he chose her.
Blake laughed softly. "You know me too well."
"Truth is, I'm just… preparing. In case I have to do something big."
He shrugged. "Of course, if I had a choice, I'd rather be a happy adventurer."
That had been his dream once—to travel the world freely, without burdens.
But ever since learning he would one day time-travel and impact major historical events, everything changed.
Now, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming—something that would demand more of him than he'd ever planned to give.
And if that day came… he would need someone to stand beside him.
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