Night descended over the Imperial City like a vast black ocean swallowing the horizon whole.
The towering walls surrounding the capital stood beneath the moonlight like ancient giants, silent and unmoving, while endless rows of glowing lanterns illuminated the countless streets winding throughout the empire's heart. Normally, at this hour, the city would have slowly drifted toward quietness. Taverns would begin closing their doors, merchants would retreat indoors, and the restless noise of the crowds would gradually fade into the distant murmur of sleeping civilization.
But tonight—
The Imperial City refused to sleep.
Excitement lingered in the air like electricity before a storm.
Every district buzzed with anticipation.
Conversations echoed from crowded restaurants and noble estates alike. Citizens gathered around projection screens replaying tournament highlights repeatedly, while betting halls overflowed with people arguing passionately about the final outcome.
