The night sky of Bakasa was usually choked by industrial soot, but tonight, the city glowed with an unnatural, magical radiance. It was the night of the Aether-Bloom Festival—the only time of year the Mid-District was opened to the public, creating a sea of people celebrating the fading remnants of the Brassvale Kingdom's prosperity.
But to Dayat, the colorful glow of the Mana lanterns floating in the air felt like the harsh lights of an interrogation room.
"Master, your heart rate is 115 beats per minute," Dola whispered, her voice nearly drowned out by the frenetic strumming of harps and the laughter of festival-goers. "Recommendation: Regulate your breathing. Excessive adrenaline will cloud the focus required for Manifestation."
