Julian tossed the spear aside with a clatter, his expression darkening. "Useless," he muttered. "All of it."
The young man hesitated before speaking. "Senior Brother, perhaps the upper floors hold something of greater value?"
Julian exhaled sharply, his frustration palpable. In his anger, he seemed to have forgotten that this was only the ground floor.
"Let's hope so. Otherwise, this entire trip was a waste."
With that, he strode toward the staircase at the far end of the room, his boots echoing against the stone floor. The young man hurried after him, casting one last glance at the scattered weapons and ruined shelves.
The staircase spiraled upward, its steps worn smooth by time. The staircase was longer than it seemed, and the climb wasn't overly steep, with smooth stone steps that bore traces of frequent use. They walked leisurely and soon they emerged onto the second floor.
