The building stood at the edge of the black market, its facade cleaner than the surrounding structures but still bearing the subtle marks of recent renovation.
A simple brass plaque beside the door read:
Gray Owl Consultations – Discreet Information Services
Kyle pushed open the frosted glass door, a small bell chiming softly overhead. The interior was sparsely furnished, a reception desk of dark polished wood, a few chairs lining the walls, and a single mana-lamp casting a cool blue glow over the space.
A young woman with sharp green eyes and ink-stained fingers looked up from behind the desk, her expression shifting from surprise to cautious professionalism.
"Welcome," she said, straightening. "How can we assist you?"
Kyle approached, keeping his tone neutral. "I require two services. Information retrieval and documentation."
The woman, her name tag read Lena—studied him for a brief moment before nodding. "Of course. Please, follow me."
