The elevator hummed softly as it descended, each passing floor marked by a quiet chime. When the doors finally slid open, a rush of cool air hit me, the scent of mana, metal, and morning dew mixing together.
I stepped out into the lobby of the Aetherium's first floor, the polished black marble gleaming under the crystal lights. The faint hum of energy ran through the walls. This place was practically alive, pulsing with the mana of the formations layered within its structure.
Adjusting the coat draped over my shoulder, I made my way toward the eastern exit. The Aetherium was massive, practically a city of its own, so getting anywhere took time. I passed by towering pillars carved with runic symbols, the air dense with power and history.
