The young mage also leaned in. "No matter where it leads, this could be the key to unlocking the artifact's full secret. We need to study it more deeply."
Dean Bruce nodded. "Exactly, but we have to be cautious. The previous attack by the black-robed mages shows that many forces are eyeing this artifact. We can't afford to let any more information leak out."
Thus, they set up a research facility in a secret underground room within the school, accessible only to the three of them. During their research, Dean Bruce discovered that the mysterious runes seemed to react to specific magical frequencies.
"Try adjusting your magic to this frequency," Dean Bruce said, pointing to a symbol on the rune.
The headmaster and the young mage followed his instructions, adjusting their magic accordingly. Suddenly, the artifact emitted a faint glow, and within the glow, some blurry images began to form.
"Is that... an image?" the headmaster said, surprised.
The image appeared to be of an ancient library, its shelves lined with various old magical books. In the center of the library stood a massive magic circle, similar to the one they had seen in Ghostly Valley, but far more intricate.
"This library looks important. Could it be related to the artifact's origins?" the young mage speculated.
Dean Bruce studied the image closely. "It's possible. And this magic circle might be the key to using the artifact. We need to record these images and analyze them carefully."
They used magic to record the images the artifact had projected, then began to examine every detail. After several days of intense study, they discovered special markings on the bookshelves in the library. These markings could be a clue to the library's location.
"We need to follow these markings to find the library. Maybe we can uncover more information about the artifact there," Dean Bruce said.
The headmaster looked concerned. "But if we all leave the school, what if we're attacked again? The students will also need our protection."
The young mage thought for a moment. "We can leave behind some defensive spells and traps, and assign a few trusted teachers to guard the school. We must uncover the secrets of this artifact as soon as possible. It's crucial for all of us."
Dean Bruce agreed. "Then let's prepare and head out. This mission must remain secret. No one can know our whereabouts."
They began to prepare for the journey to find the mysterious library, gathering the necessary magical tools and supplies. Before they left, Dean Bruce called a few trusted teachers into his office.
"We'll be away from the school for some time, and you'll be in charge of its safety. If anything suspicious happens, activate the defense systems immediately, and use magical messenger pigeons to notify us," Dean Bruce instructed.
The teachers nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, Master. We'll protect the school."
Dean Bruce, the headmaster, and the young mage quietly left the school and began following the clues marked in the artifact's image to locate the mysterious library. They proceeded cautiously, avoiding areas that seemed potentially dangerous.
As they passed through a dense forest, they felt an unusual magical energy disturbance.
"Everyone be careful, something's not right here," Dean Bruce said in a low voice.
The young mage observed the ghost closely, his eyes lighting up suddenly. "There's a glowing spot on its chest, that's probably its weak spot. Let's focus our attacks there!"
Without a word, the three of them adjusted their spells, aiming directly at the glowing spot on the ghost's chest. Bolts of magic shot toward the specter, and as the first hit landed, the ghost let out a piercing scream, its form becoming increasingly ethereal.
"It's working! Keep attacking!" Dean Bruce yelled excitedly.
After several rounds of attacks, the ghost let out a final agonized shriek and dissolved into thin air, leaving only the thick fog to swirl around them once again. The eerie sounds, however, had faded along with the ghost's presence.
"Finally, one down. There are probably more of these things in the mountains," the young mage sighed with relief.
Dean Bruce nodded. "Right, we need to pick up the pace. The sooner we find the library, the better. We might avoid even greater dangers that way."
They continued to press forward through the mist, moving cautiously. After what felt like an age, they finally began to make out the outline of a structure ahead. In the glow of their magical light, it exuded an air of mystery.
"Look at that outline. Could it be the library we're looking for?" the headmaster said excitedly.
Dean Bruce's interest was piqued as well. "Let's hurry and check it out."
They quickened their pace, approaching the building. The closer they got, the more imposing it seemed. The grand entrance was firmly shut, and the surface was covered with intricate, arcane symbols, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.
Dean Bruce reached out and touched the massive door. The moment his hand made contact, a powerful surge of magical energy shot up his arm, knocking him back several steps.
"Ouch, there's something odd about this door—it's like it's electrified," Dean Bruce muttered, shaking his arm to dissipate the strange energy.
The young mage stepped forward, inspecting the runes on the door closely. "These runes appear to be some kind of sealing magic. We'll need to find a way to break the seal before we can open this door."
The headmaster leaned in as well. "Let's work together on this. Maybe we can figure out the solution."
The three of them gathered around the door, examining the runes. They exchanged theories and suggestions, trying to figure out how to break the seal, but after a long while, they were still at a loss. As they struggled, Dean Bruce suddenly remembered the half-baked story he had made up earlier about space magic and the runes of the artifact. He thought to himself, Well, if I was just guessing before, maybe I should give it another shot.
Without much hope, he decided to try casting a small spell related to spatial magic, just as he had invented earlier. He directed it at the runes on the door. To his surprise, the runes actually reacted. A flash of light appeared, and slowly, a crack in the door began to open.
Dean Bruce stood there dumbfounded, his mind racing. Did that really work? My nonsense actually did something? This is too weird.
Both the headmaster and the young mage were equally surprised, staring at Dean Bruce. The young mage smirked and teased, "Well, Dean, looks like you got lucky with that one! Or maybe you've got some hidden talents you haven't shared with us?"
Dean Bruce gave a sheepish laugh. "I didn't expect that to work. I guess I just got lucky. Let's hurry up and get inside, before the door closes again."
With that, he led the way through the narrow opening in the door, and the headmaster and young mage quickly followed. The moment they stepped inside, they were stunned by the sight before them. The library was filled with rows upon rows of bookshelves, each one stacked with magical tomes that glowed with an array of vibrant lights, as though they were whispering ancient magical tales. In the center of the library was the massive, intricate magic circle they had seen in the artifact's vision.
"Wow, we really found it!" the headmaster exclaimed in awe. "This place must hold the great secret of the artifact!"