"This place is the Smiling Sanctum. To us, it's just home."
Nico spoke, placing his hand firmly on Raiden's arm as they faced a weathered gothic structure made of sand-colored stone, its towers lined with slim windows while the building extended far into the distance.
"It used to be just runes and far worse-looking, until someone kindly donated the funds to turn it into what you see now." Nico added.
Raiden had heard of this Smiling Sanctum before; some of his comrades had trained here recently. But with his fractured thoughts beyond his control in this state, the memory eluded him.
After a brief pause, Nico led him toward a black wooden door at the building's entrance. As soon as it opened, a cold wave swept over them.
A large room stretched before them, packed with tables and chairs where people sat with artificial smiles, conversing among the furniture while their auras glowed in various colors.
