A deep horn echoed through the city, vibrating the ice beneath Victor's feet.
Rhozan gestured toward the center. "The Rite of First Flame begins."
Two Kahr'uun warriors stepped into the circle. With a synchronized motion, they conjured swirling spheres of crimson and blue mana, which collided in a spiraling vortex before erupting into a harmless but dazzling pillar of light.
The crowd roared in approval.
Victor crossed his arms. "Beautiful. Didn't expect magic could be used in celebrations like this."
"We fight with mana," Rhozan said. "But we also dance, bless, and live with it."
Victor watched the next event: a group of young Kahr'uun performing a coordinated chant while weaving floating geometric symbols of mana. The symbols merged, forming a giant spectral beast resembling a six-legged wolf. The children cheered as the illusion roamed the stage.
