Duke stopped before a heavy metal door engraved with a complex array of runes.
A glowing crystal panel was embedded in the wall beside the door, clearly displaying the words "Spell Experimentation Area."
The environment here was noticeably quieter and more solemn than the residential area and main thoroughfare, and the air was filled with purer, more active energy particles.
Occasionally, wizards in robes of various colors entered and exited with focused expressions, rarely speaking to one another.
Duke took out a metal tag, his proof of identity, and touched it to a recessed indentation in the metal door. The door opened automatically.
Beyond the door was a spacious hall. Three wizards in black robes sat behind a counter, helping several people with their procedures.
There were not many people in the hall, and it was quiet. The low conversations at the counter could be heard clearly.
Duke listened for a few moments, understood the process, and joined the line at the counter.
As long as one paid the fee and completed the paperwork at the counter, one could enter a spell laboratory to conduct experiments.
An ordinary laboratory cost one hundred and fifty Magic Stones and could be used for twelve hours.
An advanced laboratory was not expensive either, costing five hundred Magic Stones for the same twelve hours.
Duke's turn came quickly, and he rented only an ordinary laboratory.
Although the advanced laboratory's facilities were comprehensive and more sophisticated, they were somewhat unnecessary for him. There was no need to use a laboratory of that level.
Even though he had some Magic Stones on hand now, he still needed to save where he could.
After completing the procedures, Duke went to the second floor and found the laboratory he had rented.
After opening the door, a standard laboratory