The streets of Nimran felt alive, even at this late hour. The futuristic city's temperature-controlled systems kept the air crisp but comfortable, the streets devoid of the biting cold I had expected outside the city. Neon lights reflected off polished walkways, and the soft hum of mana-powered vehicles added an odd tranquility to the bustling cityscape. People moved about, oblivious to the monumental thing I had just accomplished—or the greater challenge I was about to undertake.
With the Basilisk Heart secure in my spatial ring, I made my way back to the man I'd paid to hold my phone. He was sitting by a corner stall, sipping on a steaming cup of something fragrant. "Back already?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as I handed him another stack of notes. He didn't ask questions. Good.
