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Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: The Haunted Hallway Incident

Elyas had always been fascinated by the old, abandoned wing of Arcanis Academy. Rumor had it that this part of the school was haunted, a place where eerie whispers floated through the air and spectral figures wandered aimlessly. Kellen, ever the instigator, seized the opportunity to dare Elyas to explore the haunted wing one evening. Elyas, fueled by a mix of curiosity and the desire to prove his bravery, accepted the challenge.

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, and the academy's grounds were cast in a blanket of darkness. Elyas and Kellen approached the entrance to the haunted wing, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridors. Cobwebs adorned the corners like festive decorations gone wrong, and the air was thick with the smell of ancient dust and forgotten spells.

Kellen (grinning mischievously): "You sure you're not scared, Elyas? I mean, it's just a hallway full of ghost stories and old magic. No big deal, right?"

Elyas (trying to sound confident): "Of course not. I'm perfectly fine. It's just... a little creepy, that's all."

As they ventured deeper into the hallway, the darkness seemed to close in around them. Strange creaks and whispers seemed to follow them from the walls. Every shadow seemed to shift, and Elyas's nerves were starting to fray. Suddenly, with a loud bang, a door slammed shut behind them. The temperature in the hallway plummeted, and a cold draft swept through.

Elyas (panicking): "Uh, Kellen, I think we should—"

Before he could finish, ghostly figures began to materialize in front of them. The translucent, ethereal forms of long-dead mages floated toward them, their faces hauntingly gaunt and their robes billowing as if caught in an eternal wind.

Kellen (smirking, trying to sound braver than he felt): "Look at that! It's just some lingering spirit magic. Nothing dangerous. Besides, they don't look like they'd bite."

Elyas, however, was not reassured. His heart pounded in his chest, and his mind raced for a way to handle the situation. In a burst of panic, he decided to cast a spell to disperse the spirits. He frantically waved his wand and muttered the incantation, hoping for the best.

Elyas (desperately): "Begone, spirits! Return to the netherworld from whence you came!"

Instead of dispersing the ghosts, Elyas's spell seemed to intensify their presence. The ghosts began to solidify, their eerie voices growing louder and more insistent. Their ghostly moans filled the hallway as they drifted closer to Elyas and Kellen.

Elyas (wide-eyed, panicking): "Oh no, I made it worse! I made it worse!"

Kellen, still managing to laugh despite the growing terror, grabbed Elyas by the arm. The two of them took off down the hallway, the ghosts floating just behind them. Elyas's magic seemed to be adding fuel to the fire—or in this case, the ethereal chill. The ghosts' wails grew more intense, echoing off the walls as they pursued the boys.

Kellen (laughing breathlessly as they ran): "You know, Elyas, I think you've finally found a way to make your magic even more entertaining!"

Elyas (between frantic gasps): "This is not entertaining! This is horrifying!"

The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly as they sprinted, dodging spectral forms and trying to avoid running into the walls. Elyas's spellbook had somehow managed to fall open in his pocket, and as he glanced at it, he noticed a spell that might help. Unfortunately, the book was being jostled so much that he couldn't quite read it, and he was left trying to remember what the spell might be.

Finally, after what felt like hours of running and dodging, Kellen and Elyas burst through the main doors of the academy, slamming them shut behind them. They collapsed against the door, panting and covered in sweat.

Kellen (still laughing, clutching his sides): "Well, that was... something. I don't know what's scarier, the ghosts or your magic."

Elyas (groaning, sitting on the floor): "I really didn't mean to—"

Before Elyas could finish, the door they had just slammed shut creaked open slowly, and a single ghostly figure floated into the room. It looked rather bemused and somewhat annoyed.

Ghostly Mage (sighing): "Honestly, you two are a lot of trouble. We were having a perfectly nice evening, and then you come along, screaming and casting spells. Can't a ghost enjoy a little peace and quiet?"

Elyas (stammering): "We didn't mean to—"

Ghostly Mage (interrupting): "It's fine. I suppose you've made enough noise to wake the entire academy. We might as well make ourselves useful."

The ghost floated over to Elyas and Kellen, who were still wide-eyed with shock. The ghostly mage waved his hand, and the eerie wails and spirits that had been chasing them vanished into thin air. The temperature in the room returned to normal, and the haunting atmosphere seemed to lift.

Ghostly Mage (smiling): "There. All sorted. But next time, try not to disturb us, okay? We do have a reputation to maintain."

With that, the ghost floated back into the hallway, leaving Elyas and Kellen alone. The door shut behind them with a soft click.

Kellen (looking at Elyas): "Well, that was certainly an adventure. At least now you've officially tested the limits of your magic."

Elyas (rubbing his temples): "And failed spectacularly. I'm beginning to think that every magical venture I embark on ends up as an unintentional disaster."

Kellen (grinning): "Oh, come on. It wasn't that bad. We survived, didn't we? And besides, think of the story you'll have to tell."

Elyas (sighing): "Yeah, a story about how I nearly became a ghost's new best friend."

As they walked back to their dorms, Elyas couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the evening's events. Despite the fear and chaos, it seemed that his magical misadventures were far from over. If nothing else, he had learned that even in the face of ghosts and magical mishaps, he could count on his friends to help him through the most bizarre situations.

As he turned to Kellen, who was still grinning from ear to ear, Elyas shook his head with a smile.

Elyas: "Well, I guess if my magic isn't working out, I can always take up ghost-chasing as a hobby."

Kellen (laughing): "Just try not to bring any more ghosts into the main building, okay?"

With that, Elyas and Kellen continued their walk through the academy grounds, both relieved that the haunted hallway incident was finally behind them. As Elyas reflected on the evening's events, he couldn't help but wonder what other magical mishaps lay in store. Whatever they were, he was ready to face them—with a bit more caution and a lot more humor.