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# Novel: Echoes of Cursed Time
## Chapter 4: First Steps… and the Search for Forgotten Power
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The first class in the Genius Division ended, and students dispersed into the hallways, some heading towards the library, others towards the training grounds. Ayan remained in his seat for a few moments, observing them with grey eyes that held the experience of years these students had yet to live. Teacher Lena's words about "honing talents and discovering true abilities" echoed in his ears, but Ayan knew that his true abilities had vanished with his death, and he was now merely a husk of the "Grey Ghost" he once was.
"Weak…" Ayan muttered to himself, clenching his fist. It wasn't physical pain that bothered him, but the feeling of helplessness. His young body, barely sixteen, was far from the strength, speed, and resilience he had acquired through years of bitter combat. He knew that at this moment, he wouldn't last a minute against Aparit or Daker, let alone the demons and vampires he would face in the future.
"I can't aim for the top ranks now," he thought clearly. "This isn't a battle I can win in my current state. Any attempt at direct competition will expose me, and my end will come faster than it did the first time."
His plan to stay under the radar was more crucial now than ever. He had to maintain an average performance, not raising suspicion or attracting the attention of the top geniuses who already possessed immense powers or unique systems like Aparit.
But how would he strengthen himself? He didn't have a personal system that granted him new skills at the touch of a button. All he had was his knowledge of the future. Suddenly, an idea sparked in his mind.
"Artifacts!"
Ayan remembered many missions he undertook as a mercenary in his previous life, and some rumors he had heard about ancient treasures and powers hidden throughout the world. There were legendary artifacts, some granting immense powers, others revealing hidden secrets. In his previous life, he focused on money and survival, caring little for stories of ancient relics. But now, having returned in time, these artifacts became the key to his power.
"There's the 'Time Pendant' that brought me back…" Ayan thought, touching the pendant around his neck. "It's proof that these artifacts exist, and that they possess real powers."
He had to find a way to search for these artifacts. The Academy itself was a good place to start. Its vast library, and its teachers specializing in history and ancient magic, could be valuable sources of information. But he had to be careful, as searching for ancient artifacts often attracts attention, and that was the last thing he wanted.
Ayan rose from his seat and headed towards his two friends, who were waiting for him at the classroom door. They were "Kai" (ranked 250) and "Zain" (ranked 260), two kind-hearted young men with simple ambitions, who were his loyal companions in this era.
"Where to?" Kai asked with a smile, putting his hand on Ayan's shoulder.
"The library," Ayan replied, trying to hide the depth of his thoughts. "I want to look up some old references for Teacher Lena's assignment."
Teacher Lena had assigned them a simple research task about the Academy's history and its relationship with ancient conflicts against demons and vampires. It was a routine assignment, but Ayan saw an opportunity in it.
In the vast library, whose walls touched the ceiling with thousands of books and manuscripts, Ayan began his search. While Kai and Zain browsed textbooks, Ayan sneaked into the section of ancient history and forgotten legends. He ran his fingers over dusty volumes, searching for any sign, any hint, of any artifact that could grant him the power he needed.
Ayan remembered some locations that had witnessed major battles in the future, which might be hiding ancient relics. He also remembered some characters he had encountered in his previous life who possessed powerful artifacts. This information was now his real weapon.
"This isn't just a second chance," Ayan thought as he turned the pages of an old book on "Forgotten Powers." "It's a chance to rewrite everything. But this time, I'll be the one holding the pen."
The quest for power had just begun, a journey that would take Ayan into the deepest secrets of the world, put him face to face with his past and future, all while trying to remain a grey ghost in the shadows.
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