(Basement Level V, Leo's POV)
As soon as Leo walked out of the treasure vault, the guards stationed outside stepped forward without a word, their faces cold and unreadable, as though they'd been waiting for this exact moment with bated breath.
"Pause. Let us inspect you!" one of them said, as the other had already begun moving, gloved hands sweeping up his arms, down his ribs, pressing against his legs and circling behind his neck in search of hidden treasure items, scrolls or gems.
They didn't ask permission.
They didn't need to.
Leo remained calm, standing still as their fingers traced across his body like professional pickpockets in reverse, searching every inch for anything he might have smuggled out.
They checked his mouth. His throat. His ears. His soles.
And when they found nothing apart from the rusted necklace dangling from his neck, they exchanged a quick glance.
"Clear."
"Clear."
