The model was a miniature, dynamic replica of Silver City, capturing and mirroring its every movement in real time. The dean of the Supernatural Academy was drinking tea in his office. Instructor Wang was scolding students like an enraged gorilla. A street vendor on the road outside the academy was preparing grilled sausages and spicy chicken noodles. 

Yu Xian also saw several of Nora's bodyguards patrolling nearby. One of them asked his companion for cash, then walked over to the vendor and ordered two servings of spicy chicken noodles. Although Yu Xian had always known that Nora had bodyguards protecting her from the shadows, this was the first time he had perceived them with such absolute, piercing clarity. 

Farther away, workers were repairing a road, a woman was buying groceries, a chef was cooking, and a team...