Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“Well, that depends on what I can use them for. I was thinking that they might have some valuable alchemical properties, or something. Do you think you can take a look at them?”</span> you requested. <span class="mu-r">“I can share some of them with you if you tell me more about them.”</span>
Strange stroked his beard with a yellow, gloved hand and flitted his sharp, gray eyes between you and Cat. It felt like he was sizing you up.
<span class="mu-b">“I suppose that would be a decent trade.”</span> he finally decided, taking the box from your hands. <span class="mu-b">“You were wise to come to me before doing anything drastic.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Why? Are they dangerous?”</span> you asked.
Strange nodded. <span class="mu-b">“Oh, yes. Very much so. When handling powerful reagents such as these, there are many opportunities for catastrophic failure.”</span> he said in a conversational tone as he turned around and began walking towards the steps.
No, wait. He wasn’t walking. He was…floating! His feet were hovering just above the ground, while the rest of his body was being pushed forward by some unseen force.
<span class="mu-b">“Although, I haven’t seen a strain quite like this one. I’ll have to run a few tests.”</span> Strange continued.
<span class="mu-b">“Fine with us, magic man.”</span> Cat said absentmindedly. You had a pretty good idea of why she wanted to stay.
<span class="mu-r">“Thanks again. And sorry for disturbing you, by the way.”</span> you added. <span class="mu-r">“I didn’t realize you actually, uh…slept. Figured you had a spell or potion so that you could do your work ‘round the clock.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“I do, but I don’t like using them.”</span> Strange confirmed. <span class="mu-b">“Sleep is a valuable commodity these days, and I’d rather not lose it. It’s also good for your mental health. The spells and potions can keep you awake and alert for a long while, but they cannot heal the brain damage that such a decision would cause.”</span>
As Strange continued to speak, your attention drifted away from his words and began to latch onto the rustic appearance of the Sanctum. It seemed like it would cost a fortune to live here, and you weren’t entirely sure if the good doctor was keen on paying taxes. Was he capable of hypnotizing the IRS, or was his presence here something that warranted tax exemptions? It was a question to look into for sure.
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The deeper you went into the Sanctum, the less sense it made. You were certain now that the building was far larger than it had any right to be. The hallways were long and seemingly endless. The winding staircases went up into infinity, and the walls were constantly shifting and folding into one another to lead to secret passageways.
You were thoroughly convinced that if you or your friends ever broke in here, you’d quickly find yourself lost, or dead.
Strange led you through several rooms. Each one, more fantastical than the last.
(Cont.)
