In the early morning, Ron arrived at the academy's central library.
In his hand, he held the special permission badge.
This was one of the rewards he won in the Bloody Gladiatorial Games, allowing him to select a precious ancient book from the Treasure Area.
"Blood Duel Champion, Ron Ralph."
Ron calmly showed the badge to the guard: "I'm here to use the special permission."
The old guard took the badge, carefully examined it, and nodded:
"Confirmed. Please follow me, Apprentice Ralph."
He turned and led Ron through the main hall, towards a narrow corridor that was not usually open to apprentices.
At the end of the corridor stood a heavy door made of obsidian.
The door was engraved with complex runes and strange biological figures, twisting like living creatures under the candlelight.
A vague, strange sound seeped through the door's crack, unlike any language Ron was familiar with, a disturbing whisper mixed with rustling.
