Beyond the door lay silence.
The Main Tower's interior matched Lu Yuan's memories. A massive Spiral Staircase stood at the center, winding upward until it vanished into unseen heights.
Azure stained-glass windows were set into the walls on both sides. Light filtered in from outside, casting cool-toned traces across the floor.
But the gleam was much dimmer than last time. A layer of dust coated the glass, clearly untouched for a long while.
Arthur walked at the front without hesitation, heading straight onto the Spiral Staircase. He half-supported the Dean beside him. The old man had opened his eyes, but his gaze was somewhat unfocused, as though he were lost in thought.
Klaus followed second, while The Earl walked in the middle, with Adrian and Agnes behind him. The Great Ascendant went up last.
Glock remained outside to guard the door. That had been Lu Yuan's idea. Considering their initial deduction, leaving someone outside counted as a contingency.
At least there would be someone to call for help, right?
Lu Yuan walked behind Klaus. The higher they climbed, the denser the Inscription on the walls became, layer upon layer, covering the stone wall.
After climbing two floors, Klaus slowed down.
His strides narrowed. The distance between him and Arthur ahead widened, while the distance between him and Lu Yuan behind shortened.
Lu Yuan understood. He slowed as well and walked alongside Klaus. Once the group ahead rounded the curve of the Spiral Staircase, they could not see what was happening behind them for the moment.
"The Night Watcher and the Earl's Mansion have reached an agreement."
Klaus kept his voice low, audible only to those beside him.
"It was settled before we came."
Lu Yuan was not surprised. The understanding between Klaus and The Earl at the meeting had been