Elias sat in the dimly lit study chamber, staring at the ancient tome Aldric had placed before him. The others gathered around, the air thick with the weight of what they had just learned. The war never ended. The nobles had buried the truth. And now, the rifts were opening again.
Lira ran a hand through her hair, frustration evident in her voice. "So, what? The Academy just decided to ignore the fact that an ancient enemy is about to break into our world?"
Aldric leaned back in his chair, exhaling. "They didn't ignore it. They covered it up. The noble families built their entire power structure on the belief that the demons were eradicated. If people found out the war was never won, it would shatter the foundation of their rule."
Cecilia smirked. "And here I thought they couldn't get any worse."
Marco adjusted his glasses, flipping through the pages of the tome. "This book… it doesn't just describe the war. It also mentions something called the Obsidian Vanguard. A faction of warriors who weren't mages, but used technology and strategy to fight the demons."
Elias's eyes sharpened. "Technology?"
Marco nodded. "Primitive by our standards, but it worked. Instead of magic, they relied on kinetic force, explosives, and advanced metallurgy to combat the demons' regenerative abilities."
Ivy, who had been silently listening, finally spoke. "If they existed, where are they now?"
Aldric's expression darkened. "They were erased from history. The noble houses saw them as a threat to their magical supremacy. Once the war 'ended,' they were declared heretics and wiped out."
Elias clenched his fists. "So the one group who actually knew how to fight these things was silenced?"
Reinhardt grunted. "Sounds about right for the nobles."
Cecilia twirled her dagger. "Alright, so we find out where they left their weapons and knowledge, take what we can, and start preparing for the next war. Easy."
Aldric sighed. "I admire your optimism. But there's a reason this information was buried. If the nobles find out you're digging into this, they'll come after you."
Elias smirked. "They already want us gone. What's a little more fuel to the fire?"
Aldric gave him a long look. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"
Lira groaned. "He doesn't. I've tried."
Elias leaned forward. "Where do we start?"
Aldric hesitated before flipping to the last page of the tome. The parchment was old, faded, but the words were still legible.
"The last remnants of the Obsidian Vanguard rest beneath the ruins of Solmara. There, their knowledge sleeps, waiting for those with the will to awaken it."
Elias exhaled. "Where is Solmara?"
Aldric's voice was grave. "Far beyond the Academy's borders. A ruined city, long abandoned. The place is dangerous, and few who go looking for it ever return."
Reinhardt cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like a fun trip."
Marco frowned. "We'd need supplies. A route. A plan. And a way to leave the Academy without raising suspicion."
Ivy's gaze flicked toward the window. "We're being watched."
The room tensed.
Elias turned to Aldric. "If we do this, we'll be going directly against the Academy's rules, won't we?"
Aldric nodded. "Yes. And if you get caught, the nobles won't just try to dissolve House Null. They'll brand you as traitors."
Silence stretched between them.
Then Elias stood, stretching his arms. "Well, then. Looks like we have a trip to plan."
Lira groaned. "We are so going to die."
Cecilia smirked. "Not if we move fast."
Reinhardt grinned. "I like this plan."
Marco exhaled. "I hate this plan."
Ivy simply nodded. "Let's do it."
Elias turned back to Aldric. "You in?"
Aldric studied them for a moment, then sighed, rubbing his temples. "I must be insane for agreeing to this."
Elias smirked. "Welcome to House Null."
They had a lead. They had a plan. And now, they were about to defy the entire Academy.
The war had already begun. They just had to make sure they were ready for it.