The city moved like a living organism, breathing with mana and ambition. Han Seo-Jin walked through Aethralis silently. Attendants obeyed instinctively, unaware of his reborn presence.
At the Arcane Academy gates, students practiced dueling, spells, and negotiations. Some noticed him. Most did not. A faint smile curved his lips. Observation was enough.
"Are you the new noble student?" whispered a young attendant, carrying pastries.
"Yes," Seo-Jin said softly. No more. No questions. Observation first.
Somewhere, someone watched him from the shadows—noble, thief, or fate itself. The city was alive, and he was its quiet shadow.