A few hours later, Strax walked through the streets of Athenion with Cassandra to his left and Daniela to his right, their pace too leisurely for those who clearly drew attention simply by existing. The sun had already passed its highest point, casting long shadows between the light stone buildings, and the city pulsed with that specific kind of life that only large, too-innocent commercial centers could sustain. The smell of food, rust, sweat, and residual magic mingled in the air, creating a vibrant yet restless atmosphere.
Strax kept his hands in his coat pockets, observing everything with an attentive yet relaxed gaze, like someone who didn't need to rush to understand a place—the world always ended up revealing itself to him sooner or later. Still, there was genuine curiosity in his tone when he broke the silence.
"So," he said, turning his face slightly toward Cassandra, "how is Athenion really?"
