Through the translucent flooring of the levels above, he could see flashes of activity—floating platforms gliding between shelves, students suspended in mid-air as they consulted high-reaching archives, and flickering golden orbs that seemed to act as guides.
"The second floor," the librarian continued, leading him past a central circular atrium, "...covers ten floors that are called subfloors, extending up until the twelfth floor.
"It is dedicated to advanced research—alchemy, soul-tech theory, and the study of rifts. It's a restricted area, accessible only to those with the proper clearance."
Northern glanced at the grand spiral staircase that twisted its way upward through the atrium like a helix of light and steel.
He could feel the faint hum of soul essence emanating from it.
