Chapter 65 Whispers of a Forgotten Past

The restricted archives lay deep within the bowels of the Archives building, a labyrinthine network of corridors guarded by heavy stone doors etched with arcane symbols. The air grew thick and stale, the oppressive silence broken only by the rhythmic hum of their malfunctioning suits and the occasional drip of water from unseen crevices. Friesland, ever vigilant, scanned the darkness ahead, his hand hovering over his sidearm. Elizabeth, her steps measured but firm, kept a watchful eye on the flickering torches lining the walls, their flickering flames casting grotesque shadows that danced across the ancient stone. The Scholar, his frail body dwarfed by the imposing surroundings, clung to Friesland's arm, his face pale but his eyes gleaming with a thirst for knowledge. Each step felt like a descent into the forgotten heart of the City. The symbols on the walls grew more intricate, some glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. The air crackled with a faint energy, and a sense of une