After finishing the last sip of his cloud-fogged tea, John let out a deep sigh of satisfaction.
He got up, pushed back his chair, and walked over to the counter, placing a few spirit stones into the payment tray.
The waiter gave him a respectful nod and a practiced smile before hurrying to attend to another table.
As John stepped out of the Fragrant Cloud Pavilion, the warm scents of roasted meat still clinging to his robe, the familiar voices of his friends reached his ears.
"Ha! I told you it'd be on the second floor!" Riara's voice rang with amusement.
"No, I said the second floor. You argued it was in the back corner!" Caros shot back with mock annoyance.
The two came into view, walking side by side with light grins on their faces.
Their blue sect robes fluttered gently in the breeze, and their relaxed expressions told John they'd also had a productive time inside the Depository Hall.
John approached them with a calm smile and nodded. "You guys done?"
