NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Chapter 13: The Trial of Truth
The circular arena was illuminated by a pale, unnatural light, its glow casting elongated shadows against the walls. Kai stood in the center, his wand gripped tightly in one hand. Across from him, the shadowy doppelgänger tilted its head, a mocking grin spreading across its face.
The disembodied voice boomed again. "The Trial of Truth will reveal who you truly are. Conquer your own darkness, or be consumed by it."
Kai's eyes narrowed. "Great. Another cryptic warning. Let's get this over with."
The shadow surged forward, moving with inhuman speed. Kai barely had time to throw up a shield.
"Protego!" The spell materialized just in time, the shadow's attack splintering against it like shards of glass. But the force of the blow sent Kai sliding back several feet.
The doppelgänger sneered. "Is that all you've got, Thornwood? For someone with all the answers, you're surprisingly weak."
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Fighting Shadows
Kai retaliated, firing off a volley of spells. "Expulso! Stupefy! Ignis Tempestas!"
Flames roared from his wand, engulfing the shadow in a fiery vortex. For a moment, Kai thought he had the upper hand. But when the smoke cleared, the doppelgänger was untouched, its dark form shimmering as if made of liquid.
"Fighting fire with fire won't work, fool," it hissed. "You can't defeat me because I am you."
The shadow raised its wand, mirroring Kai's movements, and unleashed a torrent of spells that forced him to dive for cover. As he rolled to his feet, the truth hit him: this wasn't a fight he could win through brute force. If the Trial of Truth was meant to test him, then defeating the shadow would require more than magic.
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Facing the Darkness Within
Kai steadied his breathing, lowering his wand. "You're right," he said, his voice echoing in the empty arena. "You are me. My fears. My doubts. Every failure I've ever had."
The shadow froze, its grin faltering.
"But you're not all of me," Kai continued. "I'm more than my mistakes. I'm my strength, my determination, and my love for the people I care about. You're just one part of the whole."
The doppelgänger snarled. "Words won't save you!"
It lunged again, its wand raised for a killing curse. But instead of fighting back, Kai stood his ground. He let the shadow collide with him, its form merging into his own.
For a moment, everything went dark. Then, a blinding light filled the arena, and Kai found himself back in the Forbidden Archive. The rest of his team stood around him, their faces filled with concern.
"What happened?" Daphne asked, her voice tight with worry.
Kai gave her a faint smile. "I passed."
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The Archive's Gift
As the trial ended, the Archive's magic seemed to shift, its energy becoming less oppressive. A pedestal rose from the floor, holding an ancient tome bound in silver and black.
Hermione stepped forward, her eyes wide. "That's... The Codex Arcana. It's a legendary book of spells."
Kai reached out, his fingers brushing the cover. As he did, the system chimed in his mind.
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System Notification: Forbidden Archive Access Granted
New Abilities Unlocked:
Spell Fusion: Combine two or more spells to create unique effects.
Dimensional Reach: Access spells from other universes with enhanced precision.
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"Dimensional Reach," Kai murmured. His mind raced with possibilities. He could now call upon spells from across universes with even greater control.
Daphne gave him a pointed look. "Please tell me this isn't going to make you even more insufferable."
Kai laughed. "No promises."
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The Next Move
As the group left the Archive, they were greeted by Professor McGonagall, who stood waiting for them with an uncharacteristically stern expression.
"You've been busy," she said, her eyes scanning each of them. "Do you have any idea how dangerous the Forbidden Archive is?"
"We do now," Kai said calmly. "But it's also the key to protecting Hogwarts."
McGonagall studied him for a moment before sighing. "Then I hope you know what you're doing, Mr. Thornwood. Because the war is coming, and Voldemort won't wait for you to figure it out."
As the professor turned to leave, Kai glanced at his friends. "She's right. We don't have time to waste."
Harry stepped forward. "So, what's the plan?"
Kai smirked, a determined glint in his eyes. "We make Hogwarts a fortress. And then we take the fight to Voldemort."
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Foreshadowing the Storm
Far away, in a darkened chamber lit only by flickering torches, Voldemort sat on a throne of obsidian. Before him knelt the Death Eater leader Kai had fought in the forest.
"My Lord," the figure rasped, "the Archive has been breached."
Voldemort's crimson eyes glowed with fury. "Then Thornwood is more of a threat than I anticipated. But no matter. I will crush him and his pitiful alliance."
He rose, his snake-like features twisted in a cruel smile. "Prepare the army. The time has come to remind Hogwarts who truly rules the wizarding world."
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To Be Continued…