The stone walls pressed close as Valen and his allies followed the Eclipse agent through the winding passage beneath the academy. Flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows, making the engraved runes etched deep into the ancient stone seem alive, pulsing faintly as they passed. Every now and then, Valen felt a strange tug, as though the wards woven into the walls recognized him, sensing something dormant within him.
Ahead of them, the Eclipse agent moved with quiet assurance, leading them deeper into the academy's hidden tunnels.
"Be careful," the agent warned, their voice low but firm. "The wards down here react strongly to foreign energy. They were placed by the founders, meant to restrict access to only those bound to the academy's magic. Any interference can trigger powerful backlash."
Seraphine nodded, her eyes scanning the dark stones. "These are old protections, but I can feel the strength in them still. They're designed to hold, not break."