As Ruger looked around the orderly, towering side hall, with its sharp angles and distinctive style, he could not help feeling that the Knowledge Temple's shop was a little too understated. Though spacious and clean, it simply could not compare to this place-and this was only a side hall. On second thought, however, the Knowledge Temple felt more welcoming and made visitors more inclined to relax.
Ruger studied the surroundings and the people here, while also feeling that he himself was being watched.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, a subtle ripple of magic swept through the side hall. It targeted no one in particular, instead brushing across the smooth walls and raised, square dome like a pair of invisible hands.
"My apologies for the discourtesy, but these measures are required by regulation. Your identity badges are sufficient proof of who you are, so we're simply following procedure to make sure none of those troublesome hidden dangers are present."
The speaker was another middle-aged Wizard, this one with a scar on his chin.
Those words were clearly meant for the young Wizards among them who were visiting a place like this for the first time.
Zorn glanced at him without saying anything, looking mildly annoyed by the fuss.
"Please follow me."
The two hooded Wizards from the Foreign God Oversight Council turned and headed toward the back.
A small door appeared in the wall of the spacious side hall.
His eyes full of curiosity, Ruger followed behind the unhurried Zorn. The Red-Haired Holy Judgment Wizard remained at Zorn's side, subtly carrying himself as the one in charge.
As they walked, the large stone blocks forming the wall slid outward and inward like rolling waves. Each block seemed alive. What began as a doorway gradually expanded into a corridor as