As soon as the rift opened, Eccar stepped through and appeared on the other side. His feet landed on a smooth stone floor that felt cold to the touch. When he looked around, he saw a large room with white walls.
There were many shelves, some filled to the brim with books and scrolls, to the point that a few had fallen onto the floor. Several chests sat open on the ground, revealing contents that seemed to hold high magical value. Yet everything was scattered carelessly, as if no one had bothered to tidy up.
In front of him stood a man in his forties or fifties, with a firm expression and a beard that reached his chest.
It had become difficult for Eccar to judge people's ages these days. Living among the Elves, who looked like they were in their twenties but were actually several centuries old, had skewed his perception.
"Welcome to my humble abode, my friend" Adrius said, spreading his arms wide in greeting.
