In the stifling prison, several candles burned slowly, giving off the scent of pine resin. The guards took turns patrolling, sitting at a small wooden table to read and pass the time whenever they were free.
Just then, the heavy iron door above slowly opened, and footsteps sounded on the iron stairs.
Hearing them, the guards immediately looked around and checked everything over. Once they found nothing amiss, they straightened up and stood at attention.
Before long, a group of Inspection Department members in dark blue uniforms arrived. The two in front carried pale gold lanterns, while behind them walked a silver-haired girl whose beauty seemed beyond the mortal world.
Though her clothes were also predominantly blue and white, their design was relatively simple. A delphinium-blue silk sash cinched her white dress, accentuating her slender waist and graceful figure.
The group stopped before the innermost cell. Two members hung their lanterns on the wall, then spoke with the guards.
Soon, the cell door opened. The two members dragged out the black wizard imprisoned inside and peeled away the tape sealing his mouth.
"Phew." Kneeling on the floor, he drew a deep breath, then raised his small, triangular eyes to steal a look at the girl before him, trying to commit her appearance to memory.
Sylutia paid little attention to that. She lightly pressed her fingers against her temple and blinked. A strange radiance surfaced in her eyes, and a wealth of information about the black wizard appeared before her.
``` Race: Human (bloodline advancement)
Status: Imprisoned (Fate Card and abilities sealed)
Talent: Nightmare perception [Good]; naturally sensitive to nightmare Aspect Power and familiar with how to break through others' psychological defenses.
Fate Card: [Brazen Black Wizard] [Fifth Order · Nightmare · Blood Law]
"Your words are always exceptionally arrogant, carrying