The Royal Magic Academy's grand library was a towering structure of ancient stone and enchanted shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. Crystal orbs floated gently near the ceilings, casting soft golden light over rows upon rows of books, scrolls, and glowing rune tablets. It was past curfew, but Mei Lin had no intention of following every petty rule.
She moved silently between the aisles, her footsteps muffled by a light wind spell. The day's events replayed in her mind — Cedric's arrogance, the combat class victories, and most importantly, her conversation with Luo Chaos. Confirmation that she wasn't the only reincarnator here changed everything.
If we're from the same world, he could be a valuable ally… or a dangerous variable.
Mei stopped in front of a restricted section labeled "House Histories & Fallen Lineages." A faint barrier glowed around it, but with a careful application of her Black Forge awakening, she reinforced a small tool and slipped through a weak point in the enchantment.
She pulled out several old records about the Lin family. The further she read, the deeper her frown became.
"So it wasn't just bad luck or weak leadership…" she whispered coldly. "There was a coordinated effort. Multiple houses working together to suppress us after Father's death."
Pages detailed old alliances, betrayals, and even mentions of forbidden rituals used to weaken her family's bloodline. Her red eyes glowed faintly with anger.
A soft sound behind her made her freeze.
She spun around, wind mana already gathering at her fingertips, only to find Luo Chaos standing there, arms crossed, leaning against a bookshelf with that calm, knowing expression.
"Impressive," he said quietly. "Most students wouldn't dare breach the restricted section on their second day. You really don't waste time, Mei Lin."
Mei narrowed her eyes, but didn't lower her guard completely. "Following me, Chaos? That's not very subtle for someone trying to stay hidden."
Luo stepped closer, his voice low. "I came here for the same reason you did. Research. When I saw you slip out of the dormitory, I figured we might have overlapping interests." He glanced at the book in her hands. "Found anything useful about why the Lin family fell so hard?"
Mei hesitated for a second, then decided to test him. She handed him one of the scrolls. "It wasn't natural decline. The Jade Family and at least two other high houses were involved. They used soul-suppressing artifacts."
Luo scanned the page quickly, his expression darkening. "Same pattern with my Chaos Family. We were erased from relevance around the same time. Looks like we have common enemies."
They stood close in the dim light, the weight of their shared reincarnation and shared struggles hanging between them.
Mei crossed her arms, her tone sharp but not hostile. "Don't think this makes us friends yet, Luo. I'm here to rebuild the Lin family to its former glory. If you get in my way, I won't hesitate to crush you."
Luo chuckled softly, a genuine sound that surprised her. "Cold as ever. I like that about you. I'm not looking for a master or a servant. But allies? That's different. Two people with modern knowledge working together could achieve far more than one."
Before Mei could reply, footsteps echoed from the main aisle - a patrolling senior librarian and a guard.
"Hide!" Mei hissed.
They moved quickly behind a tall shelf. In the tight space, their shoulders brushed. Mei could feel the warmth of Luo's arm against hers. For a brief moment, their eyes met in the shadows. Something electric passed between them - understanding, tension, and the rare comfort of not being alone in this world.
The patrol passed. Once it was safe, they slipped out of the library through a side window.
Outside, under the moonlight, Luo turned to her.
"We should meet again. Somewhere more private. There's a lot we need to discuss — our past world, our powers, and how we're going to use them."
Mei studied him for a long moment, then gave a small, sharp nod. "Fine. But don't disappoint me, Luo Chaos."
As she turned to leave, Luo's voice reached her one last time.
"By the way… your Red Eyes activation in combat today was impressive. Try not to overuse it too early. The academy has eyes everywhere."
Mei didn't reply, but a faint smirk touched her lips as she disappeared into the night.
The game was truly beginning.
To be continued...
End of Chapter 22