Chapter 91: Twilight Workshop (1/2)
After grabbing a set of clothes from the Workshop's storage, Arthur was pushed into a changing room with a mirror in it. Along the way, he got to witness the workshop dust-clean corridors, the fountains that gave a refreshing ambiance, and the green-robed Runes Master going in and out of rooms.
A sigh left his mouth after Emma left him alone in the room. He started to slowly undress as his stomach churned at the thought of meeting all of these Runes Masters. However, he felt better when he remembered his latest achievement in controlling the Reality Gate in permanent runes.
He was successful in closing the gate. Right now, his control over mana was too lousy for him to be able to open it. He had to use brute force to close the gate itself on such a fine-level, so he had to wait until his control was better for him to reopen already closed gates.
He undressed. Starting with his shoes, followed by his t-shirt, and lastly his trousers. Standing there in his underwear, he was once again conscious of how much he changed. His previously skinny hands were now lined with chiseled muscles as if he was a weight-lifter for many years. However, his face remained the same only becoming sharper than it used to be. Arthur didn't know if it was his personality that changed or his features.
He wore the white shirt, followed by the black trousers, and then the leather boots. This was his first time wearing something so formal-looking and Arthur had to admit he looked better than usual. The last piece of clothing was the green-robe with its wide sleeves and silk-like texture. Arthur felt the fabric touch his thighs as he wore it and realized how comfy wearing it was.
There was a single embedded emblem sewed into the robe that was of a single moon overlooking a forest. It had a linen texture with white color. As he looked at himself in the mirror, Arthur felt like a new man.
”Oh, my,” Emma giggled as she saw Arthur leave the changing room. ”Are you sure you don't want to wear this permanently?” She was referring to her offer of him joining the workshop. Arthur was temped since he now had a way of hiding his real skills, but he still shook his head.
”If it ever happens, it won't be any time soon.” He could see how downcast she became at his answer, so he felt slight guilt. ”However, if I ever think about it, I'll consider your workshop.” He added, lifting her spirits.
”We need to meet the rest,” She pulled onto his arm and guided him through the hallways. Employees carrying supplies or documents looked at the two curiously. They passed through several giant halls that were probably for research, a cafeteria for lunch, and Emma even showed him the dormitory where some Masters resided. The last place earned more than a gasp from Arthur, as each Runes Master was assigned his pavilion and garden.
”We call this the Runes Hall, you could probably guess why,” Emma said as she pushed open a double wooden door that was engraved with decorations and the emblem of the workshop. After his eyes adjusted, Arthur expected a chaotic scene appearing in front of him but it was all too quiet.
The hall was divided by wooden walls into many compartments but you could still see the people sitting inside since the walls were waist-height. Many robed people hunched over their desks working diligently, either researching runes or creating artifacts. Some compartments held more than two people, some of them talking and even shouting, but Arthur couldn't hear a thing.
”There's an isolation barrier at work,” Emma noted his expression and explained. ”Come on, everyone is dying to meet you.”
”What? Why?” Arthur's head snapped to her as the shock was written over his face. The last thing he wanted right now was attention.
”Obviously to meet the mysterious person who stole one of their spots.” Emma smiled mischievously. Arthur gave her a stare of 'I have not signed for this.'
”You'll be fine, your skill is more than enough to beat any apprentice here. They'll probably just ask for a demonstration.”
”You've set me up,” Arthur grumbled but was helpless. It was the least he could do to make up for everything she did for him.
”Mhm, hahaha! Don't be so nervous, just think of it as the association's test.” Emma patted his back before sprinting through the hall. Her actions made more than one person turn, and many of them greeted her as Young Lady.
She didn't stop, however, and only greeted them back briefly before making her way to a separate office at the back of the hall. The door was swung open as Arthur and Emma walked into what looked like a lecture. A middle-aged woman was lecturing a few young men and women about what seemed to be runic lines.
”Young Lady! You can't barge into here like this!” The woman admonished Emma but a smile was plastered on her face. ”It's good to have you back,” She said. ”Grandmaster should have taken a home closer to the capital than Kera.”
”Hello, Auntie.” Emma gave her a quick hug and continued. ”You know his reasons,”