Help! My Moms Are Overpowered Tyrants, and I'm Stuck as Their Baby!-Chapter 93: Secrets Beneath the Surface

[Sentimental much?] the system teased lightly, amusement evident.

"Be quiet," I murmured, unable to hide my smile.

The rest of the afternoon passed with surprising ease, the warm, golden sunlight melting into shades of soft amber as we drifted through our final lessons. Despite my lingering uncertainties and the questions buzzing stubbornly in the back of my mind, the presence of Aria, Riven, Mara, and Elira made everything else seem trivial.

As the last bell echoed through the corridors, signaling our release, Aria immediately grabbed my hand, pulling me along with relentless enthusiasm.

"Quickly, Elyzara! There's something important I need to show you!" she announced, eyes glittering mischievously.

Riven shot her a skeptical glance. "This isn't another prank on Professor Larkin, is it?"

"Of course not!" Aria scoffed dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest in mock offense. "This is entirely different. Come on!"

Laughing softly, I allowed myself to be dragged along, casting an apologetic look at Elira and Mara, who followed behind us with patient, amused smiles.

"You know, one day you're going to explain this mysterious enthusiasm," I told Aria as we hurried through crowded hallways.

"Where's the fun in that?" she retorted cheerfully, winking at me. "Life is all about surprises."

We finally emerged into the vast, sun-drenched courtyard, where clusters of students were already gathered, their murmurs forming a comforting backdrop. Aria stopped abruptly, nearly causing me to collide into her.

"There!" she declared triumphantly, pointing at a small group of students huddled around a massive stone fountain carved in the shape of an elegant phoenix. Water cascaded gently from its wingtips, shimmering softly in the late afternoon sun.

Riven frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. "The fountain? What's special about it?"

"Not the fountain itself," Aria whispered conspiratorially, leaning closer, her eyes alight with excitement. "It's what's beneath it."

I blinked, intrigued despite myself. "Beneath?"

"Yes! There's a hidden passage one I overheard some older students talking about. Supposedly, it leads to some secret room beneath the school, full of lost artifacts or treasure or something even better."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical yet undeniably curious. "Sounds like a rumor."

Aria waved dismissively. "Rumors always have some truth behind them. Let's explore it!"

"Exploring secret passages?" Riven echoed nervously. "Are we sure that's a good idea?"

Aria smiled wickedly. "Since when do we care about good ideas?"

He sighed, glancing at me. "Elyzara?"

I hesitated briefly, but my curiosity easily overwhelmed caution. I nodded slowly, a faint smirk forming. "What harm could a little adventure do?"

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[You did not just say that,] the system groaned.

Ignoring its dramatic protests, I turned toward Elira and Mara. "Will you two be alright if we—"

"Of course, Your Highness," Mara interrupted gently, an amused glint in her eyes. "We'll remain close, should you require assistance."

Elira inclined her head, hiding a faint, knowing smile. "Please do enjoy yourselves. Responsibly, of course."

"Always," I replied dryly, earning a playful roll of eyes from Riven.

We made our way to the fountain, slipping effortlessly into the gathered crowd of students who paid us little attention. Aria knelt beside the base, her fingers tracing the intricately carved patterns, brows knitted in concentration.

"It has to be here somewhere…" she muttered softly.

Riven glanced around nervously. "We're drawing attention."

"No one cares," Aria said dismissively, before gasping triumphantly as something shifted beneath her fingertips. A soft click echoed faintly, and a small stone panel loosened, sliding aside to reveal a narrow staircase spiraling downward into shadow.

I stared at it, momentarily stunned. "Huh. You actually found it."

She beamed, proudly puffing out her chest. "Told you!"

Riven peered warily into the darkness. "It looks…ominous."

"That's half the fun," Aria said cheerfully, already stepping down into the shadowy stairwell. "Let's go!"

With a resigned sigh, Riven followed reluctantly, casting wary glances over his shoulder. I paused, glancing back at Mara and Elira, whose calm expressions showed no trace of concern.

"Do be careful, Your Highness," Mara said softly.

"Always am," I replied smoothly, ignoring the amused snort from the system echoing inside my head.

As we descended, the light quickly faded, replaced by flickering sconces along the cold stone walls. The air grew cooler, tinged with an earthy scent and something faintly metallic. My footsteps echoed softly, accompanied by Aria's excited whispers and Riven's barely-contained anxiety.

After what felt like an eternity, the staircase widened into a corridor, its walls carved with intricate symbols that pulsed faintly with ancient magic.

Aria's eyes widened in awe. "Whoa…"

"Interesting," I murmured, running my fingers over the glowing carvings. Magic hummed softly beneath my touch, familiar yet elusive.

Riven shivered slightly. "Maybe we shouldn't have come down here."

Aria shot him a mock glare. "Stop ruining the mood, Riven."

"Sorry," he muttered sheepishly.

We pressed onward, guided only by the faint magical glow. Eventually, the corridor opened into a circular chamber dominated by an enormous stone dais at its center. Atop it rested a crystalline orb that pulsed softly, its glow bathing the room in gentle light.

I stepped forward instinctively, my hand reaching out toward the orb, drawn by its quiet beauty.

[Elyzara, I strongly advise caution,] the system warned sharply.

I paused, hesitating. "Why?"

[Powerful magic. Old magic. Unpredictable.]

Before I could respond, a sudden tremor shook the chamber, causing us to stumble. Aria clutched Riven's arm tightly, eyes wide in surprise.

"What was that?" she whispered urgently.

Another quake rattled the floor, stronger this time, accompanied by the distant sound of grinding stone.

"Something's waking up," Riven breathed nervously.

"Or someone," Aria added ominously.

I clenched my fists, heart pounding. "We should leave."

As if responding directly to my words, the entrance we had passed through abruptly slammed shut with a deafening crash, sealing us within the chamber.

Riven paled dramatically. "Oh no. That's very, very bad."

Aria laughed weakly. "On the bright side, at least we know this isn't just a rumor anymore?"

I exhaled sharply, irritation and anxiety swirling within me. "System, now might be a good time for suggestions."

[The orb. Touch it.]

"What?" I whispered harshly. "I thought you said it was unpredictable."

[Yes, but it might also be your best chance at regaining control.]

I sighed deeply. "I hate your vague advice."

[You're welcome.]

I stepped toward the dais once more, ignoring Riven's panicked whispers and Aria's worried expression. My fingers trembled slightly as they brushed the smooth crystal, warmth flooding through me immediately.

Magic surged violently through my veins, raw power pulsing rhythmically with my heartbeat. Symbols carved into the walls ignited brilliantly, illuminating hidden script that wrapped around the chamber.

"Elyzara?" Aria's voice shook slightly.

"I…I'm fine," I whispered tightly, forcing the overwhelming magic back under control, locking it within me once more.

The tremors ceased abruptly, leaving only tense silence and the soft hum of dormant magic.

The sealed entrance slid open once more, releasing a rush of fresh air and freedom.

Riven sighed dramatically in relief, leaning heavily against the wall. "Let's never do that again."

Aria nodded fervently. "Agreed."

As we climbed back to the surface, Mara and Elira awaited patiently beside the fountain, expressions unreadable, though their gazes sharpened as they studied me carefully.

"An enlightening adventure, Your Highness?" Elira asked mildly.

"You could say that," I replied dryly, exchanging meaningful glances with both women, understanding passing silently between us.

Aria groaned playfully, looping her arm through mine once more. "Alright, that's enough excitement for today."

"Finally, we agree," Riven muttered wearily.

I smiled faintly, yet beneath my calm façade, I felt a deep unease settling within me. Something ancient had awoken, drawn by my magic, leaving far more questions than answers.

[Congratulations,] the system drawled sarcastically. [You've once again managed to create chaos out of curiosity.]

"Shut up," I replied softly, though a smile tugged faintly at my lips despite myself.