The entrance to the Grand Archive required payment. A bored-looking clerk sat behind a marble desk, barely glancing up as they approached. His fingers drummed against the surface in a rhythm that suggested he'd rather be anywhere else.
Reading the sign, Leon proceeded.
"Three-day passes," Leon said, placing silver coins on the counter.
The clerk's movements were mechanical as he counted the coins, then reached beneath his desk. He produced three thin metal plates etched with intricate symbols that seemed to shift slightly in the light. "First floor is general knowledge. Higher floors require additional clearance. Don't damage the books."
They stepped through the threshold and stopped.
This is...
