Though both were underground, compared with the Blind Eye Academy ruins he had once visited, the new generation of successors were clearly a little lacking in style.
The spiral staircase downward was long, but the entire way was steeped in industrial aesthetics. There wasn't a single distinctive decoration, making it seem like an endless road that would never come to an end.
But even along a path like this, Fu Qian's steps remained as solemn as a pilgrim's, without the slightest hesitation from start to finish.
"They're the ones?"
When the crisp echo of footsteps abruptly stopped, Fu Qian turned and checked with Ess.
At the end of the long staircase stood a metal door in exactly the same style.
It looked quite sturdy, but at the moment it wasn't closed. Through the narrow opening, two figures could be seen standing quietly just beyond it.
A man and a woman, both wearing robes similar to Ess's.
The man looked to be in his twenties and was quite tall.
The young woman, by comparison, seemed about the same age as Fu Qian was currently pretending to be. Her complexion was somewhat pale, and her long, loose hair was so dry and yellowish that it looked malnourished.
Both of them had clearly noticed the commotion outside. Now they were looking over in unison, their eyes especially fixed on Fu Qian, who was walking in front.
"Yes. They've been waiting for you for a long time."
Catching up in a couple of steps, Ess casually pushed the door open wider and gestured for Fu Qian to enter.
"My apologies, then. I did my best to hurry over."
Fu Qian went along with it. Under the scrutiny of the others, he walked straight up to the two new recruits and apologized without showing much