Chapter 597 - 517: Dark Moon Hall

Chapter 597: Chapter 517: Dark Moon Hall

After a moment, he gave a slight nod.

"...Quite a standard construction for a Secondary Space. A Constant Light Array, the Basic Air Purification and Calming Technique, and the floor has been treated with Stabilize and Silencing Enchantments... It seems the person in charge here isn’t some lawless brute. They at least understand the Magic required to maintain basic order and secrecy."

The academic’s critical edge in his tone seemed to soften, replaced by a sort of approval for ’standard operating procedure’—even if this ’procedure’ was being applied in a place that couldn’t see the light of day.

The subtext of his words was also clear.

At least in terms of its facilities and basic protections, this place seemed "proper" and "safe," a stark contrast to his earlier disdain for the vendors outside.

Roland offered no comment, just nodded and continued down the spacious, silent corridor.

They hadn’t walked far before a familiar voice drifted from a slightly wider fork in the path ahead. It was the sharp, yet deliberately hushed, tone of the goblin Grom Shadow Scale, which they had heard only a short while ago.

"...Keep your eyes peeled! Tighten security at the entrance by another thirty percent! Today is different. If you disturb any of our esteemed guests, or let a rat slip in that shouldn’t be here..."

Grom’s voice held an undeniable severity as he reprimanded several Guards whose auras were clearly more focused than those outside. Their bodies were fully armored, and their faces were obscured.

"...You know the consequences. ’The Pit’ has been short on people to deal with ’stubborn waste’ lately."

The Guards bowed silently, their postures respectful yet exuding a sense of ironclad discipline.

Having finished his reprimand, Grom seemed to sense something and whipped his head around. His small, yellowish eyes immediately locked onto Roland’s group, who had just rounded the corner.

The severe expression on his face melted away like ice, instantly replaced by a standard smile that carried just the right amount of warmth and respect.

He trotted over on his short, nimble legs, the hem of his dark purple velvet tunic swaying slightly.

"Esteemed sir! Welcome, a grand welcome to you!"

He stopped a few paces before Roland and offered a greeting with an impeccable, slightly exaggerated bow.

"Grom Shadow Scale is deeply honored. Regarding the slight unpleasantness outside... I do hope it hasn’t dampened your enthusiasm for exploring."

He straightened up, his yellow eyes quickly sweeping over Holland, Ogre, and the new face, Ellis, behind Roland, his smile never wavering.

"The outer corridors are crude and not worth mentioning. The true ’Dark Moon Hall’ is just ahead."

He turned to the side and made an elegant gesture of invitation.

"Might I have the honor of personally guiding you? It would also allow me to briefly introduce some of... the highlights of this evening’s Gathering."

He adopted a very humble posture, his tone solicitous, but his pinprick pupils never stopped glinting with shrewd assessment. He clearly did not see Roland as just an ordinary ’invitation holder’.

"I’ll trouble you, then."

"You’re too kind, sir."

Following the short yet nimble-footed goblin, Roland and his companions passed through a corridor that was almost meticulously appointed.

As he led the way, Grom used his sharp voice to describe the facilities they saw along the path, much like an attentive butler.

At the end of the corridor was a heavy, dark-silver metal door of an indeterminate material.

Its surface was as smooth as a mirror, with only a design etched in the center, similar to the one on the invitation: a closed crescent moon and a key.

Standing before the door were two Guards completely encased in matte-black heavy armor. Even their faces were thoroughly concealed by full helms, revealing only two points of eerie green magical light where their eyes should be.

They were silent as statues. Only the faint glow of Runes occasionally flowing across their weapons hinted at their extraordinary power.

Grom stepped forward, produced a small silver badge from within his robes, and held it up to the pattern on the door.

Without a sound, the dark-silver door slid silently apart to both sides like liquid mercury, revealing a gap.

In an instant, a wave of sound—a stark contrast to the cold silence of the corridor—washed over them. It was a mixture of hushed conversations, the light clinking of cups, and a kind of melodious yet strange string music, accompanied by a brighter, more complex, and warmer light.

Grom turned sideways, a hint of perfectly measured pride on his face, and bowed.

"Sir, please... Welcome to the ’Dark Moon Hall’."

Roland was the first to step inside.

Even with his worldly experience, the sight before him made his gaze pause for a moment.

This place had clearly been converted from an enormous natural cavern or the main chamber of a mine, its scale far exceeding his imagination.

The dome of the ceiling was high above, at least several dozen feet from the floor. It wasn’t rough rock, but was instead covered by some clever Magic or technique, creating the appearance of a deep night sky.

Specks of ’starlight’ scattered down softly, and there was even a hazy, unnatural ’Silver Moon’ phantom hanging in the center of the dome, casting a cool, clear glow.

The hall had a circular layout. The floor was covered with a thick, soft, deep-purple carpet, its edges embroidered with intricate patterns of vines and stars in silver thread.

In the center was a sunken circular platform, currently empty, but it was clearly the core area for displaying items.

Surrounding the platform were tiers of progressively elevated seats. They weren’t simple benches, but comfortable chairs with dark velvet cushions and carved wooden armrests.

They were spaced far enough apart to ensure privacy.

Even more eye-catching, however, were the independent boxes carved into the cavern walls around the hall, stacked in layers like a honeycomb.

They were half-hidden by exquisite carved railings and draped dark curtains. The light and shadows within were hazy, indicating they were clearly prepared for participants who were unwilling or unable to reveal their identities.

The illumination came not from torches or ordinary Magic Lamps, but from crystal spheres of various sizes suspended in mid-air. They emitted a soft yet bright light, which was cleverly refracted to illuminate the entire hall in a way that was both brilliant and not jarring to the eyes.

A mixed aroma of high-grade incense, mellow liquor, and faint floral scents drifted through the air, completely dispelling the usual dust and mustiness of a mine.

Neatly dressed, silent-moving attendants carried silver platters of fine wine and exquisite snacks, weaving between the seats and aisles like Ghosts.

Most of the participants still concealed their faces, but their attire was noticeably more refined. Their conversations were kept to a low murmur, carrying a sense of restraint and etiquette reminiscent of a high-society gathering.

Everything here.

From the scale of the space to the decorative details, from the crafted atmosphere to the standard of service.

It was all a world apart from the crowded, noisy black market outside, which was filled with crude goods and questionable odors.

This was no longer a chaotic trading place, but more like a secret, high-class salon or auction house, filled with the intermingled scent of money, power, and secrets.

Roland’s gaze slowly swept across the magnificent yet eerie hall, finally settling on the empty display platform in the center.

He knew the true ’Dark Moon Gathering’ was about to begin there.