Awakening Kryptonian Bloodline In Marvel.-Chapter 398 - 398: 398: The Path Beyond the Library

Under the King's command, all incoming students lined up in front of him. Moving in orderly rows, they followed him into the Kamar-Taj library. Shafika and Sherry walked at the very front.
Aside from the magic tomes displayed on the shelves, the library looked much like any other library in the world. Tall wooden bookshelves stretched endlessly in both directions, carrying the soft scent of old paper. Every time they passed a bookshelf, another row appeared, creating the illusion of an endless maze of knowledge.
A place like this should not have sparked curiosity, at least not for most people. But as the path narrowed between the long shelves, everyone's curiosity only grew stronger. They all knew they were supposed to be heading to the Academy's opening ceremony, yet they were being led deeper and deeper into the library, a place that didn't seem large enough to hold such an event. From the outside, it was barely twenty meters deep.
Some students were reminded of hidden paradises from old stories, imagining that at the end of these shelves might be a secret world. Others thought of magical alleys from fantasy novels, even joking that Wong might tap a brick and reveal a hidden passage.
The deeper they went, the darker the library became. These areas were protected by enchantments safeguarding forbidden books. Under dim candlelight, they could barely see the silhouettes of the people ahead, forcing each student to follow the person before them through the darkness.
The mysteries of the magical world wrapped around them like a silent ritual. Each step felt like walking away from their old lives and toward something entirely new.
At last, they passed the final row of shelves, and the space opened dramatically. They had entered a stone cavern built into the mountain itself. Three massive stone doors stood carved into the walls. In front of them rested a small wooden house, with its own simple door. Runes were etched into each stone surface, softly glowing.
The King introduced the chamber.
"This is the connection point between the three great sanctuaries of Kamar-Taj, and the only entrance to the Supreme Mage Academy. You'll understand everything soon."
He pointed to the wooden house.
"We'll proceed one at a time. Step up, open the door, and walk through."
Sherry was first in line. She took a breath, stepped forward, and with a confident motion opened the door. Inside was nothing but a vast, pitch-black void. The moment she stepped into the doorway, the darkness swallowed her whole, leaving no sound behind, as though she had vanished.
The students whispered anxiously, looking at one another. Yet none dared to question the Academy's intentions. Everyone here had been personally screened by Jarvis and chosen for their strong character and integrity.
Their fear passed quickly, though uneasiness remained on every face.
Next was Shafika. She hurried toward the door, heart racing. Standing before the closed door, she inhaled deeply and shut her eyes, trying to mimic Sherry's resolve. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, sinking into darkness like a stone falling into water.
But instead of a suffocating void, a gentle breeze brushed her face. The air carried the fresh scent of grass and wildflowers, nothing like the musty library. Shafika's eyelashes trembled as she slowly opened her eyes.
Sunlight spilled from a crystal-blue sky. A massive forest stretched to the horizon, and above it, enormous dragons glided in lazy circles. Wind rushed through the trees, dragons roared overhead, strange creatures chirped and rustled among the bushes…
It was a world overflowing with mystery and life.
Shafika fell in love with it instantly. She stared at everything with wide, shining eyes, completely unaware that other students were stepping through the door behind her, each freezing in awe just like she had.
The Old King entered last. He closed the door casually behind him, then surveyed the vibrant realm with a satisfied smile.
When Malrick first opened this world, it had been nothing but barren land. Now, it thrived with incredible beauty and life, and the King himself had helped nurture it. It felt like contributing to a grand masterpiece.
Seeing the stunned expressions around him, he finally understood what Malrick meant about the joy of showing off. He cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Wake up, everyone. This is the Academy's territory. You'll have plenty of time to explore later. For now, we begin the opening ceremony."
He pressed his fingers to his lips and whistled sharply.
High above, the dragons suddenly dived, sending waves of air crashing down. Amid panicked cries, the dragons halted midair, glided downward, and landed in perfect formation.
Gasps of awe rippled through the students.
The Old King clasped his hands behind his back, soaking in their excitement.
"Everyone, mount the dragons."
He formed a quick gesture, and a powerful gust of wind lifted the students onto the saddles of the waiting dragons. Hundreds of dragons lived in this realm now, giving each new student the surreal privilege of riding one alone.
"To the Academy Plaza!"
The dragons spread their wings and launched into the sky. Their wings overlapped in vast shadows that darkened the forest below. The students shouted in disbelief and joy, dizzy with exhilaration.
They passed over a central lake, and then something massive came into view. A floating island shaped like an inverted mountain drifted above the world, with the Academy built across its surface.
The sight struck them silent. It was magnificent, impossible, and beautiful.
Only when the dragons descended into a wide plaza on the floating island did the students finally breathe again, still dazed.
The King patted the head of the lead dragon.
"Rooney, take your group to rest. You won't be training for a while."
The dragon burst into tears of relief, and the others quickly followed, crying in joy. Their massive heads bumped together in a comically emotional group hug. Anyone who had seen Hulk's training regimen would have understood.
One by one, the dragons took off and soared away, howling triumphantly.
The students were swept up in the moment, moved by the dragons' release.
Sherry tugged on the King's sleeve.
"Uncle, why are they crying so loudly?"
"They're happy," he chuckled.
"You'll understand one day."
He turned back to the crowd and raised his hand.
"Everyone, follow me to the central Mage Tower. The opening ceremony is about to begin."