Chapter 42: The Rite of Madness

About one or two minutes' worth of walking in the darkness brought them into a dimly lit room illuminated by candlelight. Lyle saw a gloomy room before him; they were very cautious, opting not to use Light Bats, but rather old-fashioned candles instead—probably because candles don't have mouths to betray their wrongdoing. Of course, it could also be part of the ritual.

"Magic Curses are the essence of secrecy, and secrets are not to be revealed. The first lesson for the Spellcasters of the Magic Research Society is to maintain the mystery. The fewest possible witnesses ensure the highest chance of success. This is not mere fiction; many new powers have emerged from the solitary research of individuals."

The speaker was a Gentleman, whose eyes could see into people's hearts.