As Ezra led Richard through the grand halls of Sol Sanctum, she couldn't help but notice the mix of awe and apprehension in his eyes. "Welcome to Sol Sanctum," she began, her voice echoing softly against the marble walls. "This is our library, a repository of knowledge spanning centuries."

Richard's eyes widened as he took in the vast collection of books lining the shelves. "It's incredible," he murmured.

Ezra smiled, pleased by his reaction. "Indeed, it holds the wisdom of mages who came before us. There's much to learn here."

As they continued their tour, Ezra led Richard to the sparring grounds, where mages honed their combat skills. "This is where we train in the art of magic combat," she explained, gesturing to the open arena where mages practiced their spells.

Richard watched with fascination as two mages engaged in a friendly duel, their magic crackling in the air. "Do you train here too?" he asked, turning to Ezra.

"Yes, I do," she replied with a grin. "It's important to stay sharp, especially in times like these."

Next, Ezra guided Richard to the teleportation center, where mages traveled to different parts of the realm with ease. "This is where we facilitate transportation across the realm," she said, indicating the shimmering portals.

Richard's eyes widened in amazement as he watched mages step through the portals, disappearing in a flash of light. "So you can go anywhere you want just like that?" he asked, awestruck.

"Well in most cases yes, although it requires precise magical calculations," Ezra explained, leading him closer to one of the portals. "Would you like to give it a try?"

Richard hesitated, his curiosity warring with his apprehension. "I'm not sure I'm ready for that just yet," he admitted sheepishly.

"That's okay," Ezra reassured him with a smile. "There's no rush. Sol Sanctum can be overwhelming at first, but you'll find your place here in time."

As they continued their tour, Ezra and Richard engaged in lively conversation, discussing everything from magic theory to their respective worlds. With each passing moment, Richard began to feel more at ease in his new surroundings, grateful for Ezra's guidance and companionship. And as they explored the depths of Sol Sanctum together, he couldn't shake the feeling that, despite the challenges ahead, he had found an unexpected ally in this unfamiliar realm.

As they wandered through Sol Sanctum, Ezra and Richard delved deeper into conversation, their words weaving a tapestry of understanding between them.

"So, tell me more about your world," Ezra prompted, her curiosity piqued.

Richard glanced around the magnificent surroundings before meeting Ezra's gaze. "Well, it's quite different from here," he began, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "There's no magic, Well not like what you all have here atleast. People rely on technology instead."

"Technology?" Ezra echoed, intrigued.

"Yes, machines and gadgets that perform all sorts of tasks," Richard explained. "But it's not without its flaws. There's a constant struggle for power and resources, and sometimes it feels like we've lost touch with the natural world."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Ezra listened intently, absorbing every word. "It sounds... complicated," she mused, trying to imagine a world devoid of magic.

"It is," Richard admitted with a sigh. "But there's beauty in it too, in the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds we form with one another."

As they continued their conversation, Ezra couldn't help but admire Richard's perspective. Despite the challenges of his world, he remained hopeful, his spirit unbroken.

Before long, they found themselves standing before a towering statue depicting a legendary mage from Sol Sanctum's history. "This is Mage Alaric," Ezra explained, gesturing to the imposing figure. "He's revered for his wisdom and courage, a guiding light for all who follow the path of magic."

Richard studied the statue, a sense of reverence washing over him. "He sounds like an extraordinary individual," he remarked, his voice tinged with admiration.

"He was," Ezra agreed, her eyes shimmering with respect. "And his legacy lives on in all of us who call Sol Sanctum home."

As they stood in silence, Richard felt a newfound sense of belonging wash over him. Despite the vast differences between their worlds, he couldn't deny the connection he felt to this place and its people.

With Ezra by his side, he knew that he would find his way in this strange and wondrous realm. And as they continued their journey through Sol Sanctum, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected friendship that had blossomed between them.

As they continued to explore Sol Sanctum, Ezra led them to a peculiar-looking library. Ezra quickly greeted the librarian as the pair made their way in. Five rows of books, all neatly arranged, stood in the library. "This is all we know about the Shroud," Ezra explained solemnly. "Thousands of years of research sit in this library, and yet these rows are all we know of the Shroud. That's how big a mystery it is."

She turned to Richard, her eyes sharp and her posture serious. "That's how much of a mystery you are," she declared, pointing at him. Richard took a step back, not expecting the sudden change in mood. "Me? A mystery? I already told you what I know about how I got here," he replied, feeling uneasy.

Ezra leaned against a desk and leaned forward, smirking at him. "I don't believe you, but that's okay. You can keep your secrets," she stated before pushing off and walking off, adding, "for now."

Ezra picked a book and handed it over to Richard. "In our world, knowledge is truly power. Terrifying power," she remarked. "This book contains basic information about the Shroud. You should look through it; maybe it would help you get a better understanding of what you went through."

Richard took the book and began to read. Minutes went by, and with each flip of a page, the next flip came faster. Ezra raised an eyebrow at this. "You know, if you don't want to read, you could just say so," she commented.

"I am reading. It's all quite interesting," Richard replied, looking up from his sitting position on the desk.

"There's no way you're reading those pages that fast," Ezra pressed. Richard smiled slightly. "To be honest," he said, "I haven't been reading through all of the pages because it feels like something I have read a thousand times before. For example, on page 12, the writer talks about how the Shroud might be an entity. They base this assumption on the fact that people who experience its touch gain knowledge, and for knowledge to be shared, it has to be first understood. Thus, the Shroud might be an entity capable of learning. Although the author's premise is sound, he is totally wrong."

"Why do you think he is wrong?" Ezra asked, her curiosity piqued.

Richard stood up, his brow furrowed. "It would be more accurate to describe the Shroud as the processing core of the psionic world, the birthplace of psionic energy. From the Shroud, psionic energy leaks into various dimensions and latches on. It's the birthplace of souls and their final resting place. Their experiences in life become part of the Shroud. The Shroud is the forge of creation, a place that has no beginning or end, no here or there; it just is. It will strip a soul apart and utilize its essence as a sort of fuel. This process is never-ending. There are also those who dwell in the Shroud; maybe these are the Gods you all speak of. They are immensely powerful, beyond comprehension."

Ezra stared at Richard, dumbfounded. Never in her life had she heard anyone theorize the Shroud in such a manner. She looked Richard in the eyes and said, "Can you prove it?"

"Prove what?" Richard asked.

"What you just said. Everything you just said, can you prove it?" she challenged.

Before Richard could reply, a guard entered, informing Ezra that her attention was needed by the council and that Richard would be taken to his accommodation.