The receptionist repeated the same process again and again with the same polite expression. Her voice remained steady, her posture unchanged. Watching her work so methodically, one could almost believe she was a machine designed only for this task.
Arthur recognized her immediately.
She was the same receptionist who had handled his previous exchange.
Her long dark hair was tied neatly behind her head, and her sharp eyes missed nothing that passed across the counter. Every motion was clean and practiced.
The line slowly shortened.
Arthur watched quietly, studying the process while also observing the reactions of the explorers ahead of him. Some received small rewards and looked slightly disappointed, while others showed open excitement.
Their emotions were simple, honest.
It made the atmosphere feel real.
Soon, Arthur found himself nearing the front.
His heartbeat rose slightly. He was not worried about the result, yet the anticipation remained.
