Calvin did not use the main entrance.
After passing through the iron fence, he headed directly around to the west side of the main building, with Lu Yuan following behind him.
The Tower of Erudition's main building stood silently in the night. Dead vines climbed its gray stone walls, and its windows were pitch-black, without a single light.
The ten Night Watchers behind them stood in two rows, their boots crunching over the gravel in neat, restrained rhythm.
There was a narrow door on the west side.
It was half a head shorter than an ordinary door. The copper decorations on its frame had been corroded dark green by time, making it look more like the entrance to some logistics passage.
Calvin took out a copper identification token and pressed it against the door. With a series of mechanical clicks, it slowly opened.
Beyond the narrow door was a descending stone staircase.
The air abruptly turned cold.
Once they entered the passage, the Gas Lamps disappeared, replaced by dark blue rune stones embedded in the Copper Wall. The stones clung faintly to the walls, casting the stone steps in the colors of the Deep Sea.
Calvin walked at the front, neither too fast nor too slow.
Selina brought up the rear.
The eleven Night Watchers were sandwiched between them, following silently.
"This harvesting operation is divided into three zones."
Calvin's voice came from the front. Without turning around, he spoke as he walked.
"The first zone is the outer warning perimeter, handled by the church. A Blessing Barrier and Holy Light Inscriptions will prevent the aura of the Sea of Knowledge from leaking out. You will not have direct contact with the church personnel."
"The second zone is the Sanity Barrier zone—your position. You will construct a barrier powered by