Lucian's face changed slightly. He didn't think he would meet another race at the first floor lobby but apart from the slight surprise, his face remained expressionless.
Her eyes widened momentarily as she assessed him, no doubt noting the difference between his battle-worn appearance and the unmistakable quality of the armor visible beneath his torn clothing.
"Welcome to the Celestial Rest," she said, recovering her professional demeanor. "How may we serve you today?"
Lucian approached the desk, his footsteps echoing in the vast space. "I need a room. The best you have available."
The receptionist nodded, reaching beneath the counter to produce a crystal tablet inscribed with glowing runes. "We have a suite on the eighteenth floor with an excellent view of the central plaza of the city. The bathing facilities include enchanted waters from the Seventh Floor's Healing Springs, and the bed is crafted with comfort spells that adapt to the sleeper's preferences."
"That will do," Lucian said, producing a handful of relic gold coins from his inventory it wasn't even a quarter of what he had earned from his solo clear of the Second Floor.
The elven woman's eyes remained indifferent as though she had seen so much more in her entire life.
She handed him a small crystal key that pulsed with soft blue light.
"The suite is keyed to this crystal's magical signature," she explained. "Simply hold it to the door, and it will recognize you as the rightful occupant. Your stay includes access to our dining hall, training facilities, and meditation gardens. Is there anything else you require?"
Lucian slipped the key into his pocket. "Information. I'm kind of new to the Lobby."
It was at this moment that the receptionist face changed slightly. But then she recovered so fast her change in expression wasn't noticabke to the ordinary persons but Lucian was different.
The attendant smiled warmly. "Of course. The Celestial Rest provides a comprehensive guide to the Great Expanse in each suite. Additionally, I'd be happy to answer any immediate questions you might have."
Lucian nodded and then considered for a moment. "The auction houses, which one do you think is considered the most reputable?"
"Inwould say the Golden Scales auction house in the central plaza. They handle the highest quality items and also have strict verification procedures," The elven lady replied without hesitation. "Though their commission rates are quite high but they are still the most trustworthy in the city."
Lucian nodded. "And if someone wanted to form a party for the Tower floors?"
"The Adventurer's Guild maintains a hall three blocks east of here. They offer vetted introductions and maintain records of all registered adventurers' accomplishments." She paused. "Though if I may say so, sir, after what happened in the merchant district earlier, I suspect you'll have potential party members approaching you soon enough."
Lucian's face changed slightly as he gazed at the elven lady who maintained her professional smile. He couldn't imagine how she knew about the skirmish at the merchant district so fast. Moreover, how she knew it was him who caused it. This made Lucian's heart chill slightly. The water in here ran deeper than he had thought.
Aftwr a while, Lucian said in a simple tone. "Thank you."
He then turned toward the elevators at the far end of the lobby.
As he walked away, he caught his reflection in the polished stone floor. His clothing was really tattered, with blood-stained crimson hair, the glow of legendary armor, and the crimson tattoos pulsing on his entire body. They were his blood shadows.
Lucian stepped into the elevator, its transparent walls offering a view of the lobby as he ascended. The soft hum of mana propelled him upward, past floor after floor. He caught glimpses of gardens, pools, and private training areas through the elevator's crystal walls.
When the doors slid open on the eighteenth floor, Lucian walked down a corridor lined with mild mana lights that brightened as he approached, then dimmed behind him. His footsteps were silent against the expensive carpet patterned with stars that seemed to shift beneath his feet.
At his suite door, he held the crystal key against the door. A ripple of blue light spread outward from the contact point, and the door dissolved into mist, revealing the insides of his room.
Lucian was surprised as he stepped inside, and the door re-materialized behind him!
The suite opened before him, spacious and elegant. The main room has polished stone floors with complex patterns of precious metals, comfortable seating arranged around a low table of some dark wood he couldn't recognize without his insight skill, and a dining area with chairs that adjusted themselves ash he wished!
But what caught his attention was the wall. The wall was entirely transparent, offering a breathtaking view of the Great Expanse.
The sky was beginning to darken into evening, lights coming alive throughout the city below.
"Not bad," he murmured, walking to the window and placing his palm against it. His palm pawed through the glass but his body wasn't able to.
Lucian smiled slightly and played with it for a while then turned away from the view and made his way to the bathroom.
The door slid open automatically. A large
tub dominated one side, filled with water that glowed with a faint blue glow.
He removed his tattered clothing, then carefully unequipped the legendary breastplate, setting it gently on a nearby bench. Finally, he pulled off his shirt, revealing his scarred body.
In the mirror, he examined the network of wounds that marked his flesh. Claw marks, blade marks, stab marks and other marks filled his skin like a jotter written by an 11 month old kid.
There were also crimson tattoos that covered his arms, legs and part of his chest and they also picked as though they were alive.
Lucian studied his reflection for a moment longer, then turned away. He crossed through a doorway into the bedroom, where a massive bed floated slightly above the floor, surrounded by luxurious curtains that stirred even without a single breeze.
Instead of testing the bed, Lucian lowered himself to the floor, sitting cross-legged on the thick carpet. He closed his eyes, regulated his breathing, and settled into a meditation posture.