The dull drone of the lecturer's voice filled the lecture hall, pulling me from the depths of my thoughts and back into the present moment. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I straightened in my seat, trying to focus on the words being spoken.
"We find ourselves in a time of great change," the lecturer began, his voice carrying a note of solemnity. "A time when the echoes of the past reverberate through the halls of history, shaping the world we know today."
The lecturer proceeded to illustrate something, deftly sketching a rough image of a single continent across the expanse of the wide board.
"Fifteen centuries ago, it was said that the world was in chaos. It was a world filled with uncertainties, turmoil, and madness."
He labeled it as "The Dark Ages," a period shrouded in mystery and obscurity, where little was known except for its prevailing chaos and disorder.
"Thanks to the almighty Sun God who provided aid to the first emperor in establishing the Radiant Sun Empire, humanity escaped that dark era, ushering in a fresh start for all of us."
Along with the establishment of the New Calendar epitomizing humanity's advancements—the start of glory. It represented a pivotal moment in human history, marking the beginning of an era, characterized by improvement and innovation.
. . .
The lecturer eventually concluded, it became evident that he had merely traversed the familiar terrain of historical accounts, reiterating the amalgam of information ingrained since young; what we call common knowledge.
'I should head to the club,' thought Lucas as he left the lecture hall.
Walking along the wide hallways of Rutgers College, Lucas surveyed the surroundings, as if it was his first time. He found his way to the left, heading straight into a narrow hallway, leading into an obscure, almost dilapidated spot—decorating it, a door, which seemed as if it came before the 'Dark Ages'. This spot housed his club, the club that he joined merely by intrigue.
Looking up, Lucas read the cupboard again that said, "Supernatural Research Club," he then proceeded to open the dilapidated door, a faint grin adorning his face.
A small room laid bare, the atmosphere, a mix of murkiness—the result of experiments. Looking to his right, Lucas discovered a girl scrutinizing a book, or what was left of it.
"I'm now certain that this is the grimoire of a magus!" The girl exclaimed.
Lucas hurried over, maintaining a composed pace, he said, "What are you so invested in, Rinia?".
Rinia, the girl that housed a cacophony of curly auburn hair on her head replied, "I've discovered the traces of a magus—a legitimate one this time!" She enthusiastically said, adjusting her thick glasses on the way.
Arriving beside Rinia, Lucas took turn in scrutinizing a piece of the book, cryptic lines evident on its surface. Pondering his words, Lucas blurted out, "It seems magical enough".
"It sure is. I discovered this one at St. Lukes' Cemetery. It was left by a geezer—perhaps a tramp. He looked suspicious, seeming as if he was trying to find something," said Rinia, slowly sinking into her thoughts.
"Are you sure that he truly was suspicious? Don't tramps usually wander about?" Lucas replied, clearly hoping to glean more information.
"Yes!" Rinia added, "Otherwise, why would he wander about, looking for something at the cemetery in the middle of the night?"
'This girl...' Lucas thought.
With a scrutinizing look, Lucas questioned, "What were you doing at the Cemetery in the middle of the night?"
Rinia pursed her lips, a look suggesting that she should not have said something. She quickly tried to make up an excuse, only ending up with loose words.
Brushing the conversation off, Lucas decided to focus on the book. He traced the faint lines that adorned its surface, its rough texture suggesting that it had experienced the torment of time.
Picking the book up, Lucas said, "Can I borrow this for the night, in exchange, I shall keep your little secret for you."
Rinia's face quickly lightened up, her incessant words of empty excuses coming to an end.
"Sure…" her words uncertain, "But promise that you'll bring it back tomorrow."
With a simple nod, Lucas left with the book, bidding his farewell to the clumsy girl of the 'Supernatural Research Club.'
….
After finishing his two other lectures, Lucas made his way back to his dormitory; situated at the right wing of the campus.
Arriving in his simple abode, he turned on the gas lamps, and quickly slumped on his bed, pondering the earlier lectures.
Enlightenment washed on his round face as he thought about the events that transpired during the night before.
'What was that voice…'
Recalling the voice that called unto him last night, he strived to understand what it meant. Unable to come into a conclusion, Lucas decided to wash up, turning the gas lamps off after finishing.
He slumped back to bed, repeating those lingering words from an unknown source in his mind, certain that it was true. As he thought about the absurdity of the events last night, his mind slowly began to turn cloudy, seemingly inviting him into the embrace of slumber.
Eyes seemed to materialize in the shadows reflected by the silver moon light, gazing at Lucas—to be exact, the book that he placed on the table beside his bed. The eyes melted into the shadows as quickly as they had appeared. Unbeknownst to the slumbering Lucas.