"I accept…" Tony replied with a smile.
The Grand Elder let out a deep, satisfied laugh, his golden-and-white robes fluttering as he tapped the stone floor with his wooden staff, sending a gentle wave of energy to dissolve the final remnants of the arena's protective array.
"Since you are now my personal, direct disciple, Tony, you have absolutely no reason to return to that damp, cramped stone hut in the outer Black Rock District," the Grand Elder spoke smoothly, a warm smile gracing his wrinkled face. He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a magnificent, dark-gold physical key that was wrapped in dense layers of protective spiritual arrays.
