The TCA Research Division was a sterile building of white walls and humming mana-sensors, a stark contrast to the industrial chaos of the forge wing. Nathan walked through hallways lined with laboratories, past Climbers in white coats and summons of every description—analytical constructs, observation sprites, a floating eye that tracked his movement with unsettling precision. Shiro rode on his head, her golden eyes cataloging everything with quiet intensity. Mirko and Kuro had returned to their small forms on his shoulders.
"Dr. Evelyn Wren," Nathan said to the receptionist. "I have a referral from Vex, the Grandmaster of Smithing."
The receptionist's eyebrows rose slightly at Vex's name, but she directed him to Laboratory 7 without comment.
