Autumn was certainly just around the corner. Mikhail would recognise the cold air anywhere. The cold didn't affect him, but just like all other occults, he could still feel it. Many times during the dead of winter, he'd just sit in the cold and watch his breath form vapors in the frigid air. It gave a sense of tranquillity that humans could never know; the cold settling on the skin made him feel alive.

So it was with great pleasure that he pulled his hood up as he left the house. The night air nipped at his cheeks, and he couldn't help but grin widely. It was a good night for a hunt.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6uptvvIbMgbpcxrRGnfHC0?si=fcc591e203fe4708

The air of San Myshuno greeted him with the damp smell that often occurred before it rained. That was fine; Mikhail was partial to rain on his skin. In recent months, he'd come to realise he actually enjoyed the sense of touch the most. A mere swipe of a finger could tell a story, a legend. And so can a box of freebies on the side walk! A beautiful snow globe was sticking out at the top. It was decorated with scythes, skulls and a mini figurine of the Reaper. He knew Lorelei would love something like that. It would look so good in the magic room.

The rain began to descend. He sat on the bench that people would normally shy away from in such weather. It was such a pleasing sound. Having a long life has its perks. He felt a vibration on his hip. His mates didn't call him when he was out unless it was a matter of life and death. One look at the caller display and he knew he wouldn't get such a call at this time of night for no reason.

'Obasan! You never call this late. Are you alright?'

'I'm fine, but the same can't be said for my mental state currently.' 'What did you find?' 'Where did you get those formulas you sent me?' 'They were in the data package from Hades. We only decrypted them last night after getting a lead from a merc.' 'The same woman who said she snuck a look, right?' 'Yeah.' 'Well, I can see why she was cautious about continuing to help with this project.'

Mikhail's face darkened for a moment...

'Obasan...what did you find?'

Lin paused for a moment. Not even she could understand the results of those formulas she replicated.

'Those formulas, Mikhail. They're not for increasing mana at all. Not one bit. It's to take mana away.' 'What?! There were 4 formulas there! I saw when Ashley broke the lock! Are you saying all 4 of them-' '-are for removing mana? Yes. There was a formula for the increasing mana potion the casters were chasing after...but...Mikhail, these potions are tailor made. Adjusted to each caster they're given. It's magical eugenics, basically.' '...Kuso...this is more than fucked up.' 'I've seen stuff and this is the worst one yet. One potion is given to test potential. If they pass, they get the good stuff. If they fail...' 'They have their mana stripped, essentially making them human.' 'Exactly. Wanna know the best part? This is actually against the law. We have no right to say who can be occult or not.' 'Just when I thought I'd seen everything...' 'The council alone doesn't have enough sway to use something like this.'

That last statement didn't settle in Mikhail's mind too well. Everyone knew the council of spellcasters was governed by the Sages, so if those potions had been given the green light...