The group exited the imposing gates of the palace, stepping into the cool night air beyond. Adrian, however, came to a sudden halt, his eyes closing in concentration. A hush fell over the surroundings, and the air itself seemed to still at Adrian's silent command.
Kael, sensitive to the currents of magic, felt an unseen force ripple through the air. It was as if the very fabric of reality responded to Adrian's whispered words. Unknowingly, Kael allowed the mana to permeate his being, a sensation both unfamiliar and strangely captivating.
Emily, puzzled by the sudden shift, turned to Sebastian. "What is Adrian doing, Sebastian?"
Sebastian observed Adrian with a knowing look. "He's using search magic. It's a specialized form of magic that extends the reach of one's senses, allowing the caster to perceive things beyond the ordinary."
Intrigued, Leo chimed in, "Search magic? How does it work?"
Sebastian explained, "Search magic involves spreading mana in a circular pattern around the caster. It forms a sort of magical net, reaching a certain distance. The caster can then sense disturbances or anomalies within that area."
As Adrian continued his silent incantation, Kael remained oblivious to the fact that he, alone among the group, felt the full force of Adrian's magical prowess. Unbeknownst to him, something within Kael's subconscious triggered a response, causing the mana flowing through him to surge back towards Adrian.
Adrian's eyes snapped open, their usual enigmatic gleam now intensified. The mana, imbued with Kael's unwitting contribution, expanded beyond its usual limits. The search magic, now heightened and potent, reached into the farthest corners of the city, seeking the elusive Dr. Alaric Ardent.
In that moment, the group stood at the cusp of an uncharted journey, propelled by a surge of magic that bridged the gap between reality and the mystical forces at play.