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墨書 Inktalez
James stood in the dark office, a small room filled to the brim with members of the Moonshadow Society. As his figure appeared in the doorway, astonishment swept through the crowd; heads that had been bowed suddenly lifted, eyes sparkling with confusion and surprise. Whispers erupted in the cramped space, some murmuring in disbelief while others held their breath, as if anticipating a momentous declaration.
James walked steadily toward the podium, taking his time before speaking. His footsteps echoed in the silence, a calm before the storm that was about to break. He reached the podium and stood facing away from the moon obscured by clouds outside, his silhouette rendered even more mysterious and elusive by the shadows. All eyes were fixed on him; no one dared to make a sound, not even a whisper.
His gaze swept over each student, radiating a profound and intense light that seemed to emanate from him like a beacon, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. His eyes burned like torches, piercing through the darkness and reaching into each student's soul, silently conveying a powerful force. The young people were drawn to the aura he exuded, holding their breath as if afraid that even the slightest noise would disrupt this impending, mysterious, and significant ritual.
James deliberately stood there in silence. This was a form of unspoken control; he knew that the longer he remained silent, the more he could draw everyone's attention to himself. The pressure in the room grew heavier, tension permeating every corner as if the air itself had thinned. The sounds of heartbeats and breaths became strikingly clear; they could even feel each other's hearts racing.
He stood there like a master of all, his gaze imbued with infinite authority and confidence. He needed no words; just a look was enough to make everyone submit to his presence. Each student awaited his words, hoping that this enigmatic and charismatic professor would bring answers, hope, or perhaps some revelation beyond reality.
Every gaze was locked onto James; no one dared to look away. They understood that this moment was about to change everything, and James was the harbinger of this transformation.
A subtle smile curled at the corners of James's mouth, revealing a knowing expression. Silence itself was his most powerful weapon, and now he had completely captured the hearts of these young people. He took a gentle breath, preparing to shatter this stillness and steer the meeting toward his intended direction.
In this small office filled with helpless and anxious youths, they appeared to be adults yet bore an innocence that revealed their lack of experience with life's tumultuous realities. These students had once been enthusiastic about rituals and activities steeped in mysticism, but now faced external pressures, peer attacks, and threats to their safety; their spirits were on the brink of collapse.
Whether it was Laf, a steadfast core member, or those who had initially joined Moonshadow Society with fervor, all found themselves wavering under the weight of reality. They were no longer the carefree youths who reveled in rituals and explored mysteries; now they were viewed as "heretics" by outsiders—like monsters abandoned by the world and ostracized by society. Each person was filled with contradictions and confusion, yearning to continue yet fearing what lay ahead. Their shoulders were tense, palms sweaty; an invisible pressure wrapped around them like a suffocating net.
Just then, James spoke up suddenly. In that instant, all eyes snapped back to him; within the silent office, his voice rang out with remarkable steadiness. His tone bore no emotional fluctuations as he calmly asked:
"Does everyone still want to continue with Moonshadow Society's activities?"
His voice sliced through the air like a sharp knife, ruthlessly penetrating each person's heart. He did not rush to explain or offer comfort; it was merely a simple question that struck deeply at everyone's core.
He paused for a moment, surveying the students who lowered their heads, unable to meet his gaze, and continued to ask:
"Is everyone still interested in participating in the ritual and learning about the mysteries?"
This time, his tone was slightly heavier, yet still eerily calm. The question hung in the air like an invisible shackle, binding each person and forcing them to confront their deepest fears and desires.
However, no one answered. All the students silently bowed their heads, as if evading the question and themselves. The air in the office seemed to freeze instantly, and the atmosphere grew even more oppressive. Whether it was the introverted members who usually hid in the shadows or the core members who had once been enthusiastic during rituals, none dared to speak now. Each person struggled internally: should they continue on or give up right here?
Laf stood in the corner, her gaze flickering uncertainly. More than anyone else, she wanted to continue, but the fear and anxiety within her rendered her voiceless. She could sense the hesitation and helplessness of the other members; that feeling of complete isolation was slowly eroding every corner of their group. For these tense young individuals, the pressure of reality had pushed them to the edge of a cliff.
James stood at the podium, saying nothing further. He knew that this moment of silence was itself their greatest pressure. His eyes glimmered in the darkness as he confidently waited; he understood that these students' spirits had already been shattered by external forces, and they were just one final blow away from being reignited, with him being the one who could rekindle that inner fire.
In the profound silence, James fixed his gaze intently on the students below. His eyes were like blades, ruthlessly sweeping over each person, piercing through them as if he could see into their very souls. His deep and sharp gaze seemed to penetrate those bowed heads, reaching into the most secret corners of each heart. At that moment, James appeared not only to be observing these confused and anxious youths but also interrogating their souls, scrutinizing their past resolve.
Suddenly, his tone became impassioned, his voice resonating throughout the dark room like a powerful wave.
"Do you remember?" James's voice thundered, striking at each person's heart, "Do you remember your first curiosity about magic? Do you recall that uncontrollable desire, that passion to uncover the truths of the world?"
The students remained silent, but James's words pierced through them like needles; he would not allow them to escape. His eyes shone brightly as if they could see through everything.
"Do you remember the excitement after your first participation in the Ritual?" he continued, his tone growing more urgent as if each word was shaking the very foundations of their hearts. "Back then, you were filled with immense shock! Each ritual and every bit of magic brought you closer to the core of mystery!"
Those students who were usually active and brave fell silent at this moment. They lowered their heads, their eyes flickering as they dared not meet James's gaze. Yet each question felt like an interrogation of their souls' vows, making it impossible for them to escape that once-passionate past.
James did not stop; his tone grew more urgent, his voice resonating in everyone's ears like thunder.
"Do you remember the vows you made in your hearts? That determination, that unwavering will to pierce the mysteries and transcend the ordinary!" His voice was like a storm, forcing everyone to confront these questions, as if every thread of fear and doubt within them was laid bare at that moment.
In the stillness of the air, only James's spell-like inquiries echoed, acting as an unyielding judge compelling each person to face their own confusion and weakness.
Just then, Laf suddenly broke the silence.
"I remember..." Her voice trembled but carried a spark of courage. She stood up abruptly, fists clenched tightly, her eyes shimmering with the light of memories. Her words were like a stone cast into still water, stirring the long-suppressed emotions in the room. "I still remember the exhilaration after my first magical ritual! It was a feeling I had never experienced before... that power... that unfathomable power, I never imagined I could touch such a mysterious existence!"
Laf's voice rose higher, tears mingling with her excitement. Her words pierced through the silence and helplessness, allowing her to reclaim her initial belief.
"In that moment, I understood that magic is not merely an illusion; it is a force capable of changing the world! And we are those who can reach this power! This is not madness... this is part of our destiny!" Laf declared, her tone filled with longing for the past and determination for the future.
Other students gradually lifted their heads, their gazes shifting from unease and doubt to complex contemplation. They listened to Laf's words, seemingly awakened to some latent strength deep within them.
James smiled slightly; he knew this was what he needed—the long-suppressed passion and desire. The students' hearts were beginning to waver; these silent souls were reigniting the flames they once held.
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