By the time Kai and Andre left the main streets, the sun had nearly disappeared behind the western walls.
The city was only getting brighter.
Neon signs illuminated entire districts.
Magic-powered billboards floated above buildings.
Colorful lights reflected off glass towers.
Music echoed from somewhere in the distance.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Kai felt completely overwhelmed.
---
"This place is huge."
Andre looked around.
"I wanna steal something."
"You say that about every city."
"And every city has things worth stealing."
Fair point.
The pair eventually stopped a passing citizen.
---
"Excuse me."
Kai asked.
"Where can we find the Queen?"
---
The citizen immediately pointed upward.
"There."
Kai followed the direction.
His jaw slowly dropped.
---
A massive building towered above the city.
Its exterior was covered with giant magical screens.
And displayed across every screen—
A young woman with crimson-red hair.
Red eyes.
An eyepatch on the left eye.
---
She stood atop a stage.
Arms spread dramatically.
Cape fluttering behind her.
---
"My beloved citizens!"
The crowd below cheered.
"Asphyxia continues to prosper!"
More cheers.
---
"You should all be grateful!"
The woman struck a pose.
One hand over her eyepatch.
The other pointing toward the sky.
"For destiny has chosen us!"
---
Kai blinked.
"..."
---