Page 206 of Axis of Fire

“Anything that benefits society.”

“If a mage develops their abilities, their income grows as well.”

I was still trying to process everything Stasia had just told me.

Everything about it sounded logical...

While somehow feeling completely illogical at the same time.

“Istarus generously rewards mages who continue developing their magical abilities, so their government allowance increases.”

“But mages can still earn additional income, right?” I asked. “You pressed that case against some kind of strange scanner.”

“That was an evaluation terminal,” Stasia explained. “Two years ago, the World of Energy instructed Istarus to develop it. The system works through reviews left by people who use a mage’s services. Those reviews influence how much their allowance increases.”

“I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around all of this,” I admitted as Stasia guided us toward one of the fairs.

“That’s completely normal.” She nodded before gesturing around us.

“This is the meridian between District V6 and District B4. Every meridian usually hosts some kind of public event.”

She smiled.

“Most often, fairs.”

My gaze drifted from stall to stall.

Bright decorations.

Food overflowing from colorful displays.

Handmade trinkets.

Strange objects I couldn’t even begin to identify.

Almost every stand displayed a small sign that read:

Handcrafted.

“And the fairs mainly exist so people can collect evaluations and increase their allowance?” I asked, stopping to stare at a collection of knitted toys that somehow moved on their own.

“Mostly they exist for entertainment,” Stasia replied before gently taking my elbow and quickening our pace.

“First, we’re getting you a talisman.”

She smiled.

“Madame Croix released a new collection today.”

“What?”

I blinked.

“What kind of talismans?”

“All mages are ridiculously superstitious. Most of them won’t even leave home without some kind of protective charm.”

She paused.