Over several days of lessons, Mulan gave the new trainees a crash course in the basics they needed to know. Although those few lessons could only help them grasp the concepts, that alone was a tremendous help. At least it opened their minds instead of leaving them completely lost.
But Mulan still had several pressing matters to attend to.
The main entrance of the Black Castle was actually where the castle proper stood. The sprawling buildings here did not merely look gloomy and terrifying; they genuinely housed evil spirits. This was also Walton's official residence, although he was often away.
The Gothic castle consisted of several connected sections. Its outermost section, something like a barbican, served as the Black Castle's main entrance and passed between two buildings. Corridors crisscrossed the castle, connecting countless rooms of uncertain purpose. There were even two levels of dungeons underground, dry cells above and flooded cells below. Gaslight piping had never been installed in the castle; it still used oil lamps and candles.
Now, while Walton was home, Mulan came with two members of the Service Department to deliver a proposal.
Dressed in formal attire and carrying a cane, Mulan walked naturally ahead. The two Service Department staff followed behind him, somewhat nervous, with alchemical protective charms pinned to their chests. As they walked down the castle's gloomy corridors, their shoes tapped crisply against the close-set gray flagstones.
The doors to the rooms on either side were all tightly shut. Despite the silence, they occasionally heard laughter and whispers, almost like auditory hallucinations. The candle flames on both sides kept flickering, making the two men's shadows tremble.
"Professor Jonester..."
One of the Service Department staff could not help calling out to Mulan. Without stopping, Mulan glanced back at him.
"What is it?"
"Professor, do you