Atman didn't hesitate this time.
He stepped through the gate first, posture straight, energy oddly restored, and pushed the doors open with excitement.
Raizen followed right behind him.
The moment he crossed the threshold, he stopped.
It wasn't a training hall. Not even close.
It was a ballroom.
Raizen read about large rooms before. And saw some on his slate: Grand halls, ceremonial chambers, places built to impress.
But this felt different. The space was wide and open, with a high ceiling.
The walls were made of white marble, smooth and shiny, a weird contrast to the wooden corridors they just came from.
Tall pillars supported the sides, wrapped with subtle golden metal.
There were no floral patterns anywhere. (That alone made it feel strange)
Along the walls, small fixtures held white flames. They didn't flicker wildly or crackle like normal flames.
