SWNOVELS Chapter 456 456
Nexus, maintaining a composed demeanor, addresses Mike's concern. "Mike, patience is key. We're doing everything we can to find Dracula. Let's focus on working together."
Mike, though reluctant, concedes to Nexus's leadership. "Fine, but we can't keep wandering without a purpose. We need a strategy, and we need it now."contemporary romance
Nexus nods in agreement, "You're right, Mike. Abby, do you know if there's any specific place in the alchemy lab that your grandfather frequents more than others?"
Abby caught between worry and determination, responds, "There's a hidden chamber in the lab. Grandfather spends a lot of time there. It's concealed behind a bookshelf."
Nexus turns to Mike, a hint of reassurance in his eyes. "See, Mike, we have a direction now. Let's head to the alchemy lab and check that hidden chamber. It might hold the answers we seek."
As the trio makes their way through the mansion, Abby's acute awareness picks up on the palpable tension in Mike's voice. An uneasy feeling settles in the pit of her stomach, and she can't help but feel that there's more to the situation than meets the eye.
Unable to contain her growing concern, Abby turns to Nexus, her eyes reflecting the worry etched across her face. "Nexus, what's really going on? Why is Mike so agitated? Is there something you're not telling me about Grandfather?"
Nexus, his gaze filled with a mix of empathy and responsibility, takes a moment before responding. "Abby, your grandfather is facing a serious health issue. It's a delicate matter, and we're doing everything we can to help him. Mike is just worried like we all are."
Abby's eyes widen in alarm, the gravity of Nexus's words sinking in. "Serious health issue? Why didn't Grandfather tell me? What's happening to him?"
Nexus places a comforting hand on Abby's shoulder, attempting to provide solace in the face of uncertainty. "Your grandfather is a private man, Abby. He probably didn't want to worry you. We're heading to the alchemy lab now to see if there's any clue or solution there. We'll find answers together."
As they approach the alchemy lab, Abby grapples with a mixture of fear and determination, spurred by the belief that uncovering the truth is the key to helping her ailing grandfather.
As Nexus, Mike, and Abby navigate the labyrinthine corridors in search of answers, Nexus's thoughts drift back to a decision he made just half an hour ago. Contemplating the mysterious Book of Stones and the unsettling anomaly near Dracula's house, Nexus felt compelled to share his concerns with Mike.
Their footsteps echo through the mansion as Nexus recalls arriving at Mike's home earlier. The atmosphere was cordial as they exchanged pleasantries, but Nexus sensed the weight of the revelation he was about to make.
"Nexus," Mike greeted with a warm smile. "What brings you here again?"
Nexus, choosing his words carefully, responded, "Mike, there's something important I need to discuss with you. It's about the Book of Stones and a peculiar occurrence I noticed next to Dracula's house."
Mike's expression shifted, a mix of curiosity and concern. "The Book of Stones? What happened?"
Nexus began recounting the anomaly he witnessed, the stone book, and the unlocking of its secrets with his Heavenly Flame. "When I saw the picture of that same stone book at your place, I recognized it, Mike. I had hesitated to mention it before when you told me the myth, as I promised Dracula I'd keep it a secret. But considering the circumstances, I believe we need to address it."
Mike's brows furrowed, absorbing the gravity of Nexus's words. "Dracula had the Book of Stones? How did he unlock it?"
Nexus stared at Mike with his gaze steady, and his voice measured, he replied, "When I saw the picture of the Book of Stones at your place, I couldn't ignore the possibility that there might be a connection but I decided to ignore it as myth. I helped Dracula unlock it with my Heavenly Flame, I thought it was just an innocent act at the time. But now, with suspicions surrounding Dracula and the strange occurrences, and I can't shake the feeling that there's more to this story."
Mike leans back, absorbing the information, his mind processing the implications. "Dracula had unlocked the Book of Stone and probably had access to it with mysterious powers. It's certainly not a combination one would expect."
Nexus, who has been silently thinking of the possibility that Dracula may have controlled the dead to attack him and Tiffany at the ballroom and the one who put Nora in a coma, chimes in with a mix of curiosity and determination, "What does the Book of Stones do? And why would Dracula have it?"
Mike, contemplating how much he knows about the book, chooses his words carefully. "The Book of Stones is said to hold ancient knowledge and powerful magic. Unlocking it can reveal secrets beyond our understanding."
In the hushed atmosphere of Mike's home, Nexus leans forward, his eyes fixed on Mike. "Mike, I need you to be completely honest with me. Tell me everything you know about the Book of Stones and its connection to whatever is going on in the city right now."
A contemplative silence hangs in the room, a prelude to the revelation that Mike is about to share. He furrowed his brow and took a deep breath, weighing his words before finally breaking the stillness.
"I've read an ancient book and have heard whispers, Nexus," Mike begins, his gaze focused on a distant point as memories resurface. "I have heard some stories of an ancient alchemy, one that supposedly transforms individuals into a state that's neither fully human nor vampire. It's said to be immensely powerful, unleashing terror wherever it manifests."
Nexus's interest deepens, and he interjects with a question, "Alchemy that transforms people? But that's not what alchemy is known for. It's about refining pills to build strength, heal the wounded and sick, enhance the body, replenish mana, and have the highest control over the flame. How could it be connected to this Book of Stones and the undead?"
Mike nods, acknowledging the skepticism he once harbored. "You're right, Nexus. I was skeptical too, until I heard rumors of Necromancers. The first person who could refine corpses and control the dead was dubbed a Necromancer. It made me reconsider the myths, and I couldn't dismiss the possibility that Dracula might have unlocked this forbidden alchemy."
Nexus, absorbing the information, continues to probe for clarity. "So, you believe Dracula has harnessed this ancient alchemy? The same one mentioned in connection to the Book of Stones?"
Mike nods gravely. "It's a leap of faith, Nexus, but given what we know about Necromancers and the recent events, I can't rule out the possibility. The alchemy to manipulate life and death might be more than just a myth."
"We have to visit Dracula and interrogate him regarding this," Mike suggests.
"Yes, let us do that," Nexus replied as he stood up not wanting to waste a minute.
The decision is made, and Nexus and Mike find themselves on a nocturnal journey to Dracula's house. The moon casts a silvery glow on the winding path, and the night air is filled with a sense of urgency.
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