บท 120: First Sparks

The group darted across Upper Mursa's darkened streets, realizing that most non-magi were holed up inside their houses. 

"Is the Neoteric Syndicate behind it?" Meilyr pondered aloud.

Ando shook his head. "A city-wide hypnotic spell, most likely the work of the Percipience Intercessors. That's why there were so many Surveyors and Masked Keepers around."

"They want to reduce casualties from non-magi as much as possible," Lady Tsuji added.

"You said this was a race. I assume it's tied to the secret code written in that envelope?" 

She nodded, her eyes narrowing as she scried the surrounding area with a perception spell. "It held several keywords, such as trial, Time, and Truth. The golden shroud refers to daylight, jewels is an often-used metaphor for the Flickering Sea, and fleeing it means the Electus Minor won't take place in the port."