The streets of Darion seemed to breathe life to excess. Every corner teemed with people: merchants shouting prices, fruit vendors clapping their hands to attract attention, warriors flaunting their muscles and weapons as if the whole world were their audience. Carriages laden with barrels passed by, children ran laughing, and street performers juggled flaming torches.
Amidst this vibrant chaos, Strax and Samira walked side by side, blending into the flow of people as if they were just two other travelers seeking distraction. The mana seal made them invisible to instinctive eyes—no one broke stride, no one averted their eyes, and that alone made them chuckle.
Samira held the scabbard of her new sword as she walked, her gray cloak flowing behind her. At one point, they stopped near a stone balcony overlooking an open square. There, a crowd had gathered, and among the spectators appeared warriors displaying blows, kicks, and punches as if part of an impromptu show.
