Night had already settled fully over the city surrounding Crownspire Academy, yet the streets remained alive with movement and noise beneath the glow of mana lamps illuminating the wide roads and crowded marketplaces.
Merchants continued calling out to passing customers from their stalls while travelers moved through the streets carrying bags and supplies, the atmosphere bustling with the restless energy of a city that never truly slept.
Freshly cooked food filled the air with rich aromas as vendors loudly advertised their specialties.
"Hot skewers! Freshly grilled!"
"Mana-infused crystals from the eastern territories!"
"Last few left—buy now before midnight!"
Elsewhere, groups of people gathered outside taverns and cafes, speaking in lowered voices about recent events spreading across the continent.
"They say the breach in Velmora is still expanding…"
"No… I heard multiple noble houses already sent reinforcements…"
