"That's absolute bullshit and you know it," Preceptor Elias cut him off flatly, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward despite his 'apparent' irritation.
Priest laughed a genuine, delighted sound that seemed wildly out of place in the oppressive atmosphere of the Soul Sanctum.
"Perhaps," he conceded with a shrug. "But it's true bullshit."
Finally, Preceptor Elias's stern expression cracked into a smile. The two men laughed like they had previously shared similar exchanges that made this particular argument more like a play than a genuine conflict.
Then slowly the Preceptor sobered up, and he gestured with a hand towards the entire Sanctum.
"It's good to be back. And it's good to see you, Priest," he sighed. "Though I have to say, this is the first time I've ever seen the Soul Sanctum this empty. On our descent, we barely encountered anyone besides the Vested carrying out their duties and the handful of Caretakers here for this trial…"
